ONE-OFF If lately we are very interested in cars that have been made or designed by Alfa Romeo independently or in collaboration with third parties in the past. Not only because most of these automotive creations have a beautiful, unique and attractive shape, but also we could be seen the Alfa Romeo’s interesting attempt at reviving the glory days of coachbuilders. Apart from it, we can also see how much Alfa Romeo appreciates its historical journey, by launching various car models as a homage for figures who are considered to have contributed to the brand or the automotive world in general.
Alfa Romeo Nuvola concept car is launched at the Paris Auto Show 1996 and named after Tazio Giorgio Nuvolari, the legendary Italian racer. (Picture from: Motor1)
For example is when the Italian brand launched the Alfa Romeo Nuvola at the Paris Auto Show 1996. The concept car is named after Tazio Giorgio Nuvolari, a legendary Italian racing driver who started his career as a motorbike racer and then switched to concentrate on the one-seater sports car racing, and continued to race until he was approaching 60 years, as qouted of the Skoda Motorsports.
Alfa
Romeo Nuvola concept car has a long snouted car with a heavily sloped roofline ending with a short rear in the same vein as a TVR sports car. (Picture from: Motor1)
Now we feel it's a good time to take a look back at the two-door sports coupe made by Alfa Romeo in the 1990s. The Novula is built by the Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile led at that time by none other than renowned car designer Walter de Silva. As we all knew, he is the figure who created the original Audi R8, not to mention the gorgeous Lamborghini Miura Concept and the wild one-seater Lamborghini Egoista Concept. He is also the man behind the beautiful Alfa Romeo 156 and a number of other models from the Volkswagen Group.
Alfa
Romeo Nuvola concept car was created by Alfa Romeo as a design study as well as a new style
approach, the car made its debut just a year before the Alfa Romeo 156. (Picture from: AutoDesignMagazine)
Judging by its appearance, it is a long snouted car with a heavily sloped roofline ending with a short rear in the same vein as a TVR sports car. Meanwhile, many say that at first glance some parts of the Novula are similar to
GTV which is yet to be launched. Can you see the similarities between
them boths?
Alfa
Romeo Nuvola concept car is built by the Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile led at that time by none other than renowned car designer Walter de Silva. (Picture from: AutoDesignMagazine)
As for sure, the concept was created by Alfa Romeo as a design study as well as a new style approach, the car made its debut just a year before the Alfa Romeo 156. At the same time, the one-off vehicle came up with an interesting idea. The Italian brand envisions Nuvola as a resurrection of the coachbuilt car, with the automaker providing rolling chassis for independent companies to build bodies and then selling the vehicle through Alfa Romeo dealers.
Alfa
Romeo Nuvola concept car is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine capable delivering power of 296 hp and 285 lbs-ft (386 Nm) coupled with six-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: CulturesofCars)
Actually it based on a modular space frame chassis that can accommodate almost any kind of body style for Novula if it wants to be developed further, from the sleek coupe shape to a more practical shooting brake. Unfortunately, it never happened, and a two-door, two-seat sports car with a polyester body and fully integrated bumpers remained purely a concept.
As mentioned before, the Nuvola is a 2 door all-wheel drive coupe and features an aluminum frame and polyester body and is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine with 296 horsepower and 285 lbs-ft (386 Nm) coupled with six-speed manual gearbox. While about its performance, it's noted that the car able to accelerate from still to 100 kph in 6 second and pace up to the top speed of 280 kph (274 mph).
Currently, the 1996 Alfa Romeo Novula concept is one of the car collections inside the Alfa Romeo Historical Museum (Museo Alfa Romeo) in Arese, Italy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MUSEOALFAROMEO | MOTOR1 | ALFAROMEO159 ]
Let's WAIT Well, this time it is the turn of a British startup company called Naran Automotive which on November 25, 2020, presented a new 4-seats configuration car called Naran Hyper Coupe, whose design is inspired by the GT3 race car and is planned to be produced in a limited number, ie as much 49 units only.
Naran Hyper Coupe is bulit by Naran Automotive as a new 4-seats road legal car whose design inspired by the GT3 race car. (Picture from: Id.Motor1.com)
Actually referring to the term of the GT3 race car is a mass production car that is converted into a racing car. But in this case what the Naran Automotive is doing is the opposite, namely making a road-legal car inspired by the GT3 race cars. But that's okay, instead the British company claims that its newest car would be made and offered the GT3 race car driving sensation on the roads.
Naran Hyper Coupe is pinned a twin-turbocharged 5.0 liter V8 engine concocted by a German racing specialist company named Racing Dynamics. (Picture from: BlackExperience)
By carrying the GT3 race car theme, the Naran's car is powered by a front mid-engine configuration uses aggressive body kit elements all over its body. Including the front slitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and others. According to them, this design element does not only function as a mere aesthetic. But it also serves to increase downforce up to 1.4 tons.
The car body itself is made of carbon composite and featured with the 22-inches size alloy wheels are made of hyrdo-carbon material. On the car inside, Naran Sports wears flax carbon trim which is claimed to be the first in the world. This material is very light but environmentally friendly because it breaks down easily in nature. In addition, this material has the ability to absorb vibrations like carbon fiber.
Under its long snout is pinned a twin-turbocharged 5.0 liter V8 engine concocted by a German racing specialist company named Racing Dynamics. The car engine is capable spew power of 1,048 hp and 1,035 Nm of torque. Those powers were able to bring the Naran's coupe accelerated from a standstill to a speed of 100 kph in just 2.3 seconds and speed up to the top speed of 370 kph.
Naran Hyper Coupe actually uses an all-wheel drive system, but can change to rear-wheel drive whenever desired only by pressed a single button. (Picture from: BlackExperience)
Actually, the car uses an all-wheel drive system. However, there is a switch inside of the car that can change to rear-wheel drive whenever desired. The Naran's hypercar stands on a double wishbone suspension with Ohlins for-way adjustable damping. The brakes use carbon-ceramic brakes and hydraulic steering rack as its racing standard features.
The Naran Automotive said its car's driving dynamics were developed in conjunction with the EY3 Engineering and Daniel Mense. The last name mentioned is the person who responsible for creating the record for a single lap of the Nurburgring Circuit by the Chinese Nio EP9 electric-powered car in 2017.
The plan, the Naran Hyper Coupe will make its debut in this year (2021). How much is it? Until now, the Naran Automotive not been released it yet. Be patient...! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NARAN AUTOMOTIVE | ID.MOTOR1.COM | TECHZLE ]
When you hear Ferrari, then what comes to your mind is the fastest Italian vehicle on the roads featured with a very futuristic design. Just look at the appearance of the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, an exotic-style Prancing Horse-logoed car which had to be the favorite vehicle of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen apart from the Ferrari 275 GTB/4.
Ferrari 250 GT Lusso is intended to be more of a luxury grand tourer rather than a sports car like the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
As quoted of Carscoops, the car was first produced in 1962 and is intended to be more of a luxury grand tourer rather than a sports car like the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta. Surprisingly, it turns out that the 250 GT Lusso is more attractive to consumers than its predecessor. Maybe because of the car has a thick of the classic impression.
The Hollywood legendary actor Steve McQueen posed along with 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso of his-owned. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
In terms of interior, the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso is made more spacious than the standard version of the 250 GT. This is because the Lusso capable accomodated two people only inside its cabin, if it compared to other types of 250 GT/E is produced by Ferrari with four seats.
If you look it more closely, the interior and exterior design of the Ferarri 250 GT Lusso, at a glance, resembles the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. The difference is, the classic VW model is capable accomodated four-seat inside its cabin.
Inside of the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso looks so fancy covered by genuine leather and more spacious than the standard version of the 250 GT. (Picture from: Supercars)
As is known, for the car produced in the 1960s such it is came with a million question marks. For example, curiosity about navigation systems that already use many electronic buttons like one attached on the future cars. If you press the wrong one, instead of turning on the wiper, you will mess up the fuel pump.
The Ferrari 250 GT Lusso is powered by a V12 engine coupled with triple Weber twin-choke carburetor, so it capable of producing power up to 240 to 250 horse power. (Picture from: Supercars)
An automotive enthusiast named Doug DeMuro, really enjoys the sensation of driving using the Lusso. He said that the operation of the vehicle was very easy, such as stepping on the clutch, moving the lever pedal, the braking system, and of course its speeds.
By using a V12 engine coupled with triple Weber twin-choke carburetor, so it capable of producing power up to 240 to 250 horse power. As a result, the car can accelerate from 0 to 96 kph in 8 seconds. Even though the acceleration is quite heavy if it compared to today's sports cars, at least that number is not bad enough. The reason is, the car is not young anymore.
During its production time ranging from 1962 to 1964, there were only 351 units ever produced, and the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso is priced at US $13,375. However, its price noted be shot up to $500,000 in an auction in 2010. Overall, for a 1960s Ferrari, the Lusso was spacious, comfortable, easy to drive and .......... (your suggestion?). Wanna see the unique Ferrari 330 GTC? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | SUPERCARS.NET | CLASSICDRIVER ]
Wild ONES Recently, the business of the Italian coachbuilder company Ares Design has really stood out, this can be seen after previously through its S1 Project, Ares Design launched its newest stunning S1 coupe-styled hypercar at the Privé Salon event at Blenheim Palace in England in September 2020.
The Ares Design chopped the roof of the S1 hypercar and changed it into the gorgeous S1 Spyder. (Picture from Robbreport)
Then 1 month after the event, to be precise in October 2020, the Modena-based coachbuilder again announced the S1 figure in a roofless style called the Ares Design S1 Spyder. Yes, like its sibling, this spyder model still uses the center-mounted 6.2-liter V8 engine from the Corvette C8.
The Ares Design S1 Spyder looks like a modern take on one of the race cars you see in sepia-colored photos of old grand prix races. (Picture from Robbreport)
As before, Ares Design has managed to offer some amazing creations based on some of the best sports cars today. For example, the Ares Panther ProgettoUno as a modern version of De Tomaso Pantera which uses the Lamborghini Huracan as its base, so for the Ares's current S1 Project, the resulted cars based on the Chevrolet Corvette C8.
Due
to have no roof, the automaker then included two wind deflectors, which
act as virtual canopies of Ares Design S1 Spyder to direct the airflow
over the car.(Picture from Robbreport)
But unlike its donor car which is only capable of producing 495 hp, the Italian coachbuilder company has modified the V8 engine so that it can produce 715 hp which is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission system.
As we all know, that the S1 Project Spyder not only produces more power than the Vette, but also has a higher engine speed. Now the V8 engine is capable of reaching 8,800 rpm, and this makes this supercar capable of accelerating from rest to 100 kph in just 2.7 seconds. Even more amazing, Ares Design made this increase in power without using a supercharger device.
Due
to the Ares Design S1 Spyder have no roof also allow’s the car’s
flowing carbon-fiber body to blend seamlessly into its luxe, Napa
leather and Alcantra-covered interior.. (Picture from Modifikasi)
Due to have no roof, the automaker then included two wind deflectors, which act as virtual canopies to direct the airflow over the car. The Corvette's interior already feels top-notch, but Ares makes the cabin even more unique.
Similar
to its coupe sibling, the Ares Design S1 Spyder built based on the
Chevrolet Corvette C8, and is pinned an upgraded C8 engine so it able
spew power of 715 hp. (Picture from Modifikasi)
Ares co-founder Dany Bahar said: “We are always planning a Spyder version of Project S1, and ever since we revealed the car last month the reactions have been fantastic, so we are excited to release the details of S1 Project Spyder. We wanted to make a model that is a true tribute to the pleasure of riding in sport. This new version of the barchetta adds to the design charm of the S1 Project, as it takes additional inspiration from the motorsport world and race cars of the past."
Like its sibling, the S1 coupé, the automaker will only produce as much 24 units the roofless version of the hypercar, starting in 2021 at its factory in Modena, Italy. At the moment Ares Design has yet to release the price of this super-spyder, and it will likely be more expensive than the coupe, which sells for around US $ 650,000. Let's just wait when the S1 super-spyder comes to the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARES DESIGN | ROBBREPORT ]
Modern CREATIONS In today's automotive world, it is commonplace for an automative brand to launch a new car model in honor of its old production model which proved to be successful in a racing event in its time.
The New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo), a retro-styled two-seat concept was designed with emphasis on lightness; takes its engine from Alfa Romeo 4C as the homage to its 1966 Abarth 1000 SP race car. (Picture from: Autocar)
This was also done by Stellantis NV. (Stellantis) through its subsidiary Abarth launched a retro-styled two-seat concept was designed with emphasis on lightness; takes its engine from Alfa Romeo 4C. As we found on the status of Adiljal on the Twitter, this beautiful concept car seem like fitted to this context.
Front three quarter view of the New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo) on the right and
its inspiration sourced, the 1966 Abarth 1000 SP race car. (Picture from: Autocar)
Through this car, it said that the Abarth engineers have intended to produce a modern reinterpretation of the 1960s Abarth 1000 SP race car designed by Mario Colucci. The New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo) is a one-off homage to the car that made its debut 55 years ago and won the Nürburgring 500km in 1966. It was initially designed to compete in both endurance races and hillclimbs and enjoyed success as in various motorsport disciplines.
Right side view of the New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo) on the left and its inspiration source, the 1966 Abarth 1000 SP race car. (Picture from: Autocar)
The retro-styled concept takes the form of a mid-sized sports car and is larger than the original, but it features several nods to the original design. Lightness, agility and aerodynamic efficiency were key to the design,
The concept is constructed around a carbonfibre and aluminium chassis, featuring overlapping triangle suspension with MacPherson struts in the rear, and is powered by the same 240bhp turbocharged 1.7-litre four-cylinder engine that featured in the Alfa Romeo 4C roadster.
Rear view of the New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo) on the right and its inspiration source, the 1966 Abarth 1000 SP race car. (Picture from: Autocar)
“The Abarth 1000 SP echoes the lines and aesthetic characteristics of its forerunner,” said the car maker. “The sinuous body, with the soft surfaces of the fenders highlighting the position of the wheels, takes up the pattern of the spider with a central engine.
“The cockpit glazing features shaped side deflectors, with their profile lowered towards the roll bar, the latter strictly 'in view' to highlight our being in the presence of a no-holds-barred spider.”
It’s not known if the 1000 SP will be seen on a race track any time soon, but the car maker said it will appear at some undisclosed events focusing on vintage cars in the autumn. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | AUTODESIGNMAGAZINE ]
Elegante... While surfing in cyberspace, we stumbled across a beautiful roofless car which then made us realize for awhile that there are a lot of exotic cars born from various auto-brands, ranging from well-known to those we may have never heard of before. And the spyder-style car has looks as beatiful as the name.
Panoz Esperante Spyder 25th Anniversary Edition to celebrate the company's racing heritage and other sports cars of the last 25 years in early 2014. (Picture from: TopSpeed)
Well, that car is the Panoz Esperante Spyder. Panoz? New brand? Maybe those questions are arose when you see that name for the first time. Yes, Panoz or Panoz Auto Development is an American custom sports car manufacturer is founded in 1989 and owned by Dan Panoz. It seems that we have written about one of the supercars made by Panoz, the 2011 Panoz Abruzzi 'Spirit of Le Mans'.
Back to the Panoz beautiful car mentioned above. The American automotive brand officially launched this beautiful spyder-style car, when celebrating their 25th Anniversary in early 2014. And the Esperante Spyder limited edition car reportedly only made 25 units according to the company's number of age at that time.
Panoz Esperante Spyder 25th Anniversary Edition is powered by V8 5,0 liter engine with the power of 430 hp. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
The spyder-style car is made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum, and powered by a V8 5,0 liter engine. The engine can generate power of 430 hp and combined with a six-speed manual transmission to drive the rear-wheels, so it could be made the car speeding.
Panoz Esperante Spyder 25th Anniversary Edition's cabin also provided all the information and entertainment needed by the
car's driver and passengers through the 10.6 inches-size large digital
screen (including the iPad Mini slot). (Picture from: TopSpeed)
In addition, the car buyers also can be ordered their chosen rides with a 5.4 liter V8 supercharged engine has an output of 575 hp. Then there is the Spyder GT version with a carbon fiber body and powered by a 5.4 liter V8 engine capable of producing a power output of 800 hp.
By using those engine powers, the standard-version can accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just about 3.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 276.81 kph. By the speed numbers thats means it can reach a distance of a quarter mile in 12.5 seconds at a speed of 180.25 kph. Not bad..
Panoz Esperante Spyder GT 25th Anniversary Edition is featured with a carbon fiber body and powered by a 5.4 liter V8 engine capable of producing a power output of 800 hp. (Picture from: RobReports)
Meanwhile, from the interior side, this Panoz car model has undergone significant changes in terms of design. Now the interior looks more luxurious, this can be seen with the use of the Nappa leather to cover all parts of the car cabin.
Besides that, the car owner is also given the option of being able to add their own elements of other materials such metal and wood. Then the cabin also provided all the information and entertainment needed by the car's driver and passengers through the 10.6 inches-size large digital screen (including the iPad Mini slot).
When it was first launched, there were 2 variants available, and is priced at $179,120 each for the Panoz Esperante Syper's 25th Anniversary Edition and around $204,750 for the Esperante Spyder GT's 25th Anniversary Edition. Does anyone know the current price? If you knows, let us know by the comments column below. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | MOTORAUTHORITY | TOPSPEED ]
As mentioned before, the Nuvola is a 2 door all-wheel drive coupe and features an aluminum frame and polyester body and is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine with 296 horsepower and 285 lbs-ft (386 Nm) coupled with six-speed manual gearbox. While about its performance, it's noted that the car able to accelerate from still to 100 kph in 6 second and pace up to the top speed of 280 kph (274 mph).
