The Ferrari 288 GTO, the most sought after of the 1980s exotic homologation model

Unique ONES There is no doubt that Ferrari, an Italian premium car brand, is well known for its premium quality automotive products, most of which have fierce performance both on the circuit and on the road as well. One of the most sought after Ferarri's car models is the Ferrari 288 GTO (Type F114).

Ferrari 288 GTO (Type F114) is one of the homologation car model ranging built from 1984 to 1987 and only 272 units ever made during its production periods. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

This sports car is one of the exotic homologation car models made of the the prancing horse logoed high-performance car manufacturer ranging from 1984 to 1987 at its factory facility in Maranello. And the GTO name attached on the car is consisted with the abbreviation 'GT' for 'Gran Turismo', while the letter 'O' is 'Omologata' (an Italian for homologation).

This sportscar model is often simply referred as the Ferrari GTO, and its making is intended to race in the new Group B Circuit Racing series that has the homologation requirement, in which the participant should be fullfil minimum of 200 cars must be produced in a road-legal version.

Ferrari 288 GTO (Type F114) was designed by renowned car stylist Leonardo Fioravanti di Pininfarina and was originally built as a modified version of the Ferrari 308/328. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

But there was a lack of participants due to the strictness of the racing regulations, thus making the Group B Circuit Race series is canceled. As a result, the Ferrari 288 GTO never raced at those event, and all cars built were purely in the road-legal versions. All of them are painted in typical Ferrari's rosso (red), except for one which is black (nero).

The Ferrari 288 GTO was designed by renowned car stylist Leonardo Fioravanti di Pininfarina. The car was originally built as a modified version of the Ferrari 308/328 to keep costs down and build the car in short time, but eventually little of the 308/328's identity remained when the 288 GTO was completed.

Ferrari 288 GTO (Type F114) powered by a rear-wheel-drive mid-mounted engine layout, with a 2,855 cc twin-turbo V8 F114 B 000 engine with a capacity of 2,855 cc. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

In terms of performance, the Ferrari GTO has a rear-wheel-drive mid-mounted engine layout, with a 2,855 cc twin-turbo V8 F114 B 000 engine with a capacity of 2,855 cc. The engine is capable of spewing power of 395 hp (294 kW) and torque at 496 Nm (366 lb.ft).

Then those engine power is channeled to drive its rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission system, allowing the Ferrari GTO to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in just 5 seconds, before speeding at the top speed of 179 mph (288 kph).

Ferrari 288 GTO (Type F114)'s engine power is channeled to drive its rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission system, allowing the Ferrari GTO to accelerate from 0 to 97 kph in just 5 seconds, before speeding at the top speed of 288 kph. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

During its three-year production periods ranging from 1984 to 1987, there're 272 Ferrari 288 GTOs were built. The company also briefly built six Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione models with a more 'aggressive' bodystyle and aerodynamics and more capable power, introduced to public in 1986.

It turns out that this Ferrari sports car model is owned by many world's famous people, one of which is 1982 Ferrari 288 GTO that was once owned by former Formula 1 racer Eddie Irvine and reportedly the another one is the stunning ultra-rare right-hand drive black (Nero) is once owned by the Sultan of Brunei.

No wonder, if the Ferrari 288 GTO is one of the most desirable Ferraris out there. It's nothing, today the car has exorbitant price tags. Reportedly, if you're not ready to pay at least more than $3 million then you'd better forget about it. So it's not easy to get, even there is a tight competition among the wealthy classic car fans for it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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Nissan 400Z will be released soon

Wait.... It is known that Nissan is usually very secretive about everything about their new rear-wheel-drive sports car. However, in the end, some information from Nissan's latest car was also leaked to the public. As happened a few months ago, when the public saw several photos showing the appearance of the Nissan Z Prototype.

The all-new Nissan 400Z sports car which is the successor to the legendary Nissan Fairlady Z model. (Picture from: Mobilku)

The appearance continued, once again there's the new photo is circulating in cyberspace showing the production version of the 400Z. As we all know that this is the latest generation which is the successor to the legendary Nissan Fairlady Z model which has been eagerly awaited by the world's automotive fans. If the car is released next year, then it's estimated that it will become a serious rival to the Toyota Supra 5th-generation.

Nissan Z Prototype is appeared previously in March 2021 and intended as a development study vehicle. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)

The appearance of the Nissan 400Z production version, which had seen on Instagram, displays a design that is not much different from the prototype we've been saw a few months ago. The sports car, which is seen currently in storage, is believed to be the latest car production model is painted in color combination of silver and dark gray.

Interior view of the all-new Nissan 400Z sports car which had seen on Instagram. (Picture from: Mobilku)

The latest Nissan sports car is also seen to have an open rectangular grille similar to the prototype, but for the gray colored model it has additional trim with chrome accents. Another difference between the production version car and the prototype one is the larger headlights and a set of black wheels. In addition, the car also looks to have a deck lid spoiler at the back.

Rear view of the all-new Nissan 400Z sports car which had seen on Instagram. (Picture from: Mobilku)

As for the configuration, the leaked info also stated that this car will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, which is a modified version of the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 engines. With this setup, the car is expected to spit out a power output of around 400 hp which is then sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission system (the automatic one as optional).

And when the automaker was asked if these photos were of the new Z model? Nissan through its spokesperson replied: "We can only comment below on the photos that have circulated. As always, it's been exciting to see so much enthusiasm surrounding the revival of our Z legendary. Well, stay tuned for the upcoming announcement for the all-new Nissan's next-generation sports car, which will debut later this year."

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From this information, indications about the estimated appearance of the production version of the Nissan 400Z at the end of this year are likely to come true. And it is also estimated that the all-new Nissan next-generation sports car will be priced at around $40,000 (approx Rp. 570 millions), but there's no info yet about whether the 400Z is produced in limited number or vice versa. So, We'll wait and see. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 400Z CLUB | CARANDDRIVER ]

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Porsche should tried re-emerged the unique 928 via its electric version

Concept ONLY Out of the several automotive brands under the Volkswagen Group's umbrella, only Porsche and Lamborghini initially seemed less enthusiastic about the current electrification trend in the world's automotive, or at least seemed could be as long as possible sticking by using the conventional internal combustion engines for its products.

The rendered image of the all-electric Porsche 928 E sports coupe by Youngjai Jun. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Although in the end, we've seen the Porsche did it, even quite well when the company launched the Porsche Taycan which later became to be a big success despite being much more expensive than the Tesla Model S, not to mention its size made it a more suitable competitor to the Tesla Model 3 which the cost three times as much.

The rendered image of the all-electric Porsche 928 E sports coupe by Youngjai Jun. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

What Porsche had been showed could be said as something promising, something to be had apart from Tesla. But the Porsche executive board should be ensured that all their brand customers will have the best possible driving experience with the car of consistent performance, best build quality and outstanding handling characteristics.

The rendered image of the all-electric Porsche 928 E sports coupe by Youngjai Jun. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Some parties might think the Taycan is nothing more than a trend-following vehicle, but the fact that there is an ever-expanding cruising range proves that the company truly believes in what it has created. As we all know today, the latest Taycan model existed is the fourth generation named Porsche Taycan All Electric Sports Saloon is launched in the early of 2021.

The rendered image of the all-electric Porsche 928 E sports coupe by Youngjai Jun. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Then it also makes sense for Porsche need a little longer time before the latest models causing an uproar such as when the Porsche 928 became an eccentric V8 front-engined grand tourer model in Porsche history. Apart from the sleek-looking sedan, there's another electric-powered model that public expected from the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer, ie the Porsche 911 sports coupe.

Meanwhile on the other hand, when the later all-electric 928 was developed on the similar PPE architecture as the Taycan and intended to be the 911 upgrading version, so that many people will be unnerved of the e-911's sophisticating system.

The rendered image of the all-electric Porsche 928 E sports coupe by Youngjai Jun. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Let's take a look at the futuristic electric-powered sports car concept called the Porsche 928 E by Youngjai Jun, the renowned young automotive designer who works as the Senior Exterior Designer at Nissan Motor Co. There is the question of whether the Youngjai Jun's project was behind Porsche's thought process. Although as many know the project creates a very futuristic interpretation of what the electric-powered 928 sports car might look like.

The rendered image of the all-electric Porsche 928 E sports coupe by Youngjai Jun. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

If you look at the various images circulating, the car appears to be following some of the original design cues such as the headlights that can be limited to the lower horizontal block of the 80s model while eliminating the round one at the top as technology advances. But for some reason, the project overlooked what is perhaps the most iconic feature of the 928, such as the shape of the tailgate and taillights.

But even if it doesn't match the original, what's important is that the overall design of the electric-powered 928 sports car will still look good and look very Porsche-like. Too bad, it's just an imaginary car.😉 As for further specifications or additions, we still have to wait whether the car will actually be realized in real form. What do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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Enzo Ferrari's 100th Birthday Gift from Fioravanti

Congrats..! 'Il Commendatore' Enzo Ferrari is the great man known as the founder and owner of the prancing horse logoed premium automotive brand aka Scuderia Ferrari. And it is also known that from the beginning with his expertise and iron fists as well, he managed to lead the Italian manufacturer to glory by dominating the automotive market and racing sports circuits through its premium quality automotive products.

1998 Fioravanti F100 concept car was a gift from Fioravanti to Ferrari, to commemorate what would have been Enzo Ferrari’s 100th birthday. (Picture from: Supercarworld)

So that many parties, especially automotive technicians and designers who took part to feel directly the Ferrari's success. This might be felt by an automotive designer named Leonardo Fioravanti, whose about a quarter century of his professional career was involved in the process of creating dozens of Ferrari sports cars while worked for Pininfarina such as the Ferrari 388 GTO, Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale, Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona and the original Ferrari Dino, etc. And finally in 1987, he founded an automotive design studio named Fioravanti in Moncalieri, Turin.

1998 Fioravanti F100 dashboard design develops from the two selector paddles behind the wheel and almost all the controls are located on the wheel itself. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Through his owned studio in 1998, he designed a two-seater Gran Turismo concept car to be used as a study design, besides that it also dedicated in honor of the centenary of Il Commendatore, Enzo Ferrari who was born in 1898. The concept car is named Fioravanti F100 is described as a smaller, lighter, easy to drive sports car than the huge supercars we have become accustomed to seeing in recent years, and is powered by a compact, high-performance engine such V10.

1998 Fioravanti F100 ooks slick with a distinctive design of the Prancing Horse logoed sports car, such as the famous Ferrari "wave" sculpted shape in the front. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Furthermore, to support its engine's performance, then various racing devices were installed such a semi-automatic gearbox and an F1 type paddle selector mounted behind the wheel. It is intended to provide a truly relaxing driving condition, in same time allowing concentration to focus on the unique fast driving pleasures.

1998 Fioravanti F100 has the engine air intakes, for example, have been lodged in the upper part of the roof panel, a location which takes advantage of the boxed roof structure as well as improving rear vision. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

In terms of appearance, the concept car that looks slick with a distinctive design of the Prancing Horse logoed sports car, such as the famous Ferrari "wave" sculpted shape in the front. There is a unique grille like clawmark, starts at the nose, spreading and developing three-dimensionally around the whole of the car’s perimeter.

1998 Fioravanti F100 concept car had designed the lower seater able to maintain a relaxed muscle position all along the legs, and practically guides the feet directly onto the accelerator and brake pedals for the driver. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

In order to search the lightness moved in two directions, namely the structure and components. The engine air intakes, for example, have been lodged in the upper part of the roof panel, a location which takes advantage of the boxed roof structure as well as improving rear vision. When it comes to components, the front and rear fluorescent light clusters, for example, are styled in a classic Ferrari design, but built to a unique and lighter specification.

1998 Fioravanti F100 concept car shows all the hallmarks of a classic Ferrari design and was intended to house an equally impressive high power V10 engine. (Picture from: Ferrari Connoisseur)

For the legs, Fioravanti collaborated with Fergat, a company that specializes in the design and production of steel wheels to get an innovative design with cutting-edge technology for later use in the F100. No wonder then that the wheels are made of high quality materials and designed with sophisticated designs using computer-generated simulations, new deformity and assembly techniques. 

For the cabin looks so concise and simple that seems to hint at a relaxed driving philosophy, the dominant visible is only a large steering wheel with the Ferrari F1 gear-selector and the two-pedals. While the dashboard design develops from the two selector paddles behind the wheel and almost all the controls are located on the wheel itself.

The Fioravanti F100 Roadster concept made in 2000 by Fioravanti as the spyder version. (Picture from: Ferrari Connoisseur)

To support driving comfort by maintaining a relaxed muscle position all along the legs is provided by the lower seats, and in the case of the driver, practically guides the feet directly onto the accelerator and brake pedals, almost like a F1 car. 

Even though the concept car shows all the hallmarks of a classic Ferrari design and was intended to house an equally impressive high power V10 engine, but this concept car never be made into real. If only realized and perhaps it became the new F60. However, two years later or to be precise in 2000, the Fioravanti presented a full-scaled non running model in the spyder style or later known as the Fioravanti F100R as you've seen on video above.

The one-off F430-based Ferrari Fioravanti SP1 is built in the 2018 and inspired by the 1998 Fioravanti F100 concept car. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Furthermore, in 2018, Kazuo Maruyama (known as the first Japanese to own the Ferrari) managed to get one-off F430-based Ferrari Fioravanti SP1, which said was inspired by the 1998 Fioravanti F100 concept car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | ALLCARINDEX | SUPERCARWORLD | CARROZIERI-ITALIANI | TWITTER ]

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Looking at the lesser-known iconic Porsche 928 sports car

Rare ONES Maybe all this time, many thought that the iconic Porsche car was only focused on the legendary Porsche 550, or the timeless Porsche 911 figures, but perhaps many of us less known about the Porsche 928 made by the German auto company back in the 1970s is intended to be the replacement of the 911 with a total production worldwide is moreover 61,000 cars.

Porsche 928 (in pictured is 1995 GTS) is a fancy grand tourer made by Porsche ranging from 1978 to 1995. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Well, although what is often in the public's spotlight is the legendary Porsche 911. And it's been years since the last time the Porsche 928 became the talk. Nowadays many people also think that the Porsche 928 also deserves to be one of the best Porsche sports cars of all time.

Porsche 928 (in pictured is 1995 GTS) has the flying saucer-like front bumper design that used to be completely new and had never been seen in any other car at that time. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Precisely, the the Porsche 928' fames even more peaks when its production had been stopped and there was often reported on its revival. So, why the Porsche 928 revival is always interesting to talk about? Certainly there are the reasons that led to this, and here are we to talk about this now.

Porsche 928 (in pictured is 1995 GTS) has survived for almost 20 years with just one minor facelift, proves that the design carved by Porsche since 1978 up to 1995 was so visionary. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

As we all knew, this Porsche-made sports car was first launched in the 1978, and ceased the production in the 1995. This Porsche iconic sports car is consisting of 3 variants, ie Porsche 928 S, GT and GTS and powered by a front-mounted V8 engine (while the engine displacement ranging of 4.5-liter to 5.6-liter) coupled with the rear-wheel drive system that looks very futuristic in its era. Besides that its unique appearence could be seen on the flying saucer-like front bumper design that used to be completely new and had never been seen in any other car at that time.

Tom Cruise behind the Porsche 928 wheel while stared in the Hollywood movie titled 'Risky Business' in 1983. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Infact that the Porsche 928 has survived for almost 20 years with just one minor facelift, proves that the design carved by Porsche since 1978 up to 1995 was so visionary, and looks still pretty cool today. Not only a matter of design and aerodynamic factor, turn out the Porsche 928 has been long to be a reliable long-distance cruiser with excellent handling.

Porsche 928 (in pictured is 1995 GTS) could be spit out the power of 350 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

One of them even co-starred in a Hollywood film titled "Risky Business," along with Tom Cruise back in the 1983. And in 2012 the car was included in the list of items being auctioned with a price range of US $ 40 thousand (Rp 379 million) to US $ 60 thousand (Rp 568 million).

Even in the last year of its life, the 1995 Porsche 928 GTS (like the car in the pictures above) could be spit out the power of 350 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque that's enough to give the acceleration time from still to 100 kilometers per hour in just 5 seconds along with an impressive top speed of 275 kph.

While in theory, nowadays it's certainly easier and cheaper to rebuild and implemented the Porsche 928 modern version. What's more, in 2021 the Stuttgart-based auto manufacturer already has plenty of the V8 engine based model that can be used to test its versatility.

Although today Porsche is believed to be one of the world's car manufacturers able to reap many profits for years, unfortunately, the German manufacturer is still chasing the mainstream market instead launching the modern version of the 928. What do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOSIA | AUTOBLOG ]

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Lambo SVJ Xago roadster inspired by the Saturn's north pole hexagon clouds

OuterSpace Inspired Designers often use various objects in the universe as a source of inspiration in the creation of an automotive product. The choice of an object that is used as a source of inspiration is usually related to its form-closeness to just its name, although sometimes also the object is not thought of or may not be seen by ordinary people like us at all. For example, the hexagon cloud forms on the north pole of Saturn, the sixth planet of our solar system.

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Xago is the latest exclusive roadster built of the the Lamborghini's Ad Personam virtual personalization service. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Back in 2020, when Lamborghini took the form of the hexagon cloud on the north pole of Saturn to be used in the its latest ultra-exclusive supercar design called the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Xago. This exclusive roadster built on the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ platform is prepared to promote virtual customization services for potential buyers who want to beautify their car through the Lamborghini's latest virtual personalization service called Ad Personam.

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Xago is the latest exclusive roadster built of the the Lamborghini's Ad Personam virtual personalization service. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Well, Ad Personam itself is a virtual studio that allows the Lambo clients to personalize their Lamborghini cars remotely, without having to come all the way to Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy to realize their dream car. So the clients only need to do a digital personalization consultation through specified Lamborghini dealers, and making a live video call with the Lamborghini personalization specialists to get detailed explanations and advice of the Ad Personam team, including purchase proposals, renderings and material samples.

As quoted from OtoBlitz, the raging bull logoed premium car manufacturer will only make 10 Xago units with each character inspired by the shape of the hexagonal cloud at the Saturn's North Pole and got special number identify as well. All of these models are created by Lamborghini's new Ad Personam virtual studio, which allows clients to take advantage of the Lambo's personalization program that has existed since 2013 and also the studio design since 2016.

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Xago is the latest exclusive roadster built of the the Lamborghini's Ad Personam virtual personalization service. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

As you can see, the exterior of the Xago is mostly painted in white, then given a touch of contrasting accents such as a bright blue color (or bright green, even red on the other units) in several parts such as the bumper trim, mirrors, side skirts, spoiler and diffuser. Also then there is a gray hexagonal transition motif that is clearly visible on the exterior as a sweetener such on every door panels, above the front and rear wheel arches.

Then down to the car's legs are given a slightly different touches than to the standard Aventador SVJ model, and of the picture the rims appear in a glossy black multi-spoke model that already uses center lock then is wrapped with the Pirelli Pzero Corsa high-performance tires.

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Xago is the latest exclusive roadster built of the the Lamborghini's Ad Personam virtual personalization service. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Looking at the interior, we can also seeing a change in its upholstery designs with the dark gray alcantara material, and are given matching accents that the automaker describes as a “special contrasting color” that matches the exterior. Then on a pair of ergonomically racing styled seats, there is a raging bull logo with a matching color accent on the headrest and then slightly down, the hexagonal motif is seen on the back support, which continues to the back side.

Due to the changes only occur in the exterior design or cosmetacally changes, it is certain that the Xago still has the same technical specifications as the standard Aventador SVJ model, which is still carrying a 6.5-liter V12 engine capability to give off power up to 879 hp and a maximum torque of 720 Nm, so made it can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in just 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 350 kph.

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Xago is the latest exclusive roadster built of the the Lamborghini's Ad Personam virtual personalization service. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Lamborghini's commercial director, Giovanni Perosino said, "We always look forward to welcoming clients in person to Sant'Agata Bolognese, but for now we expect that there will be more than 150 Personam consultations that can be done virtually this year, and beyond, it will be a viable option good for the future. By the support of our dealers worldwide, who also have significant personalization experience and, of course, the samples and materials at their own dealerships, we have an exciting opportunity in an increasingly digital era to create virtually one-of-a-kind Lamborghini models."

Although the price has not been revealed yet, this is understandable because each Xago unit gets personal touches from its owner which of course automatically makes the price of each unit must be different. And the certainly, the price will be more expensive than the off-the-road price of the Aventador SVJ standard version which now has a price tag of around US $950,000 (approx Rp. 13.7 billion). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 ]

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