PURE BLOoD Like it or dislike, the presence of an SUV model for Ferrari is a fact and true. Although at first Ferrari claimed not to be interested in making an SUV, because it was considered to eliminate Ferrari's exclusivity as a super luxury sports car brand. Later, the automaker with the prancing horse emblem had softened a bit, as in the end of 2017, the Ferrari's CEO, Sergio Marchionne confirmed that the company was in an effort to develop a new product in the form of a Ferrari Utility Vehicle (FUV) to expand the marketshares.
An image of Ferrari Purosangue made based on the Motor1 interpretation. (Picture from: Motor1)
What is the Ferrari Utility Vehicle? As qouted of Carscoops,
the designation is related to Ferrari's reluctance to refer to its new car as an SUV, and prefers to call it a Ferrari Utility Vehicle (FUV). In mid-February
2021, there's a camouflage covered sports utility vehicle that was suspected to be the newest Ferrari Purosangue ('poo-row-sann-gway,' an Italian means 'pure blood' or 'thoroughbred') was
caught on camera undergoing a kind of test on the snowy terrain in Sweden.
The first hybrid crossover of Ferrari named Purosangue (meaning 'thoroughbred') which will be released next 2022. (Picture from: Carscoops)
So, the presence of the first FUV model is clearly indicated the Italian automaker's intention to take part in the luxury SUV segment market. As We could be seen today, Ferrari is
currently in the process of building its first crossover-styled vehicle, and it looks
like it's getting closer and closer to be launched. Previously, competitors in its class such as the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan succeeded in becoming models that were quite in demand. But how does the Ferrari Purosangue tempt consumers in this segment?
The Ferrari Purosangue will incorporate a front-mid engine architecture, with the mill placed behind the front wheels for better weight distribution. (Picture from: Slash&Gear)
As quoted of Autocar, that the Maranello-based premium automaker had reached the final process of the car developing in terms of design, performance and other features into it. Some performance and dimension data began to circulate in several US and European medias. It seems that the appearance of the Ferrari Purosangue is just a matter of time, and then, whether Ferrrari able to gain success like its competitors. Let's see the interesting things which could be offered by the first prancing horse logoed SUV's.
The Ferrari Purosangue SUV test mule on the snowy terrain in Sweden back in Februari 2021. (Picture from: Carscoops)
If We look at how the car looks while on testing in Sweden, it looks like the Ferrari Purosangue has a 4-passenger configuration similar to the Aston Martin DBX and the
Lamborghini Urus. While its dimension is estimated has almost similar
size of the Maserati Levante, and it could be mean that the Purosangue
has a length of 4.9 meters with a wheelbase of less than 120 inches.
Meanwhile, in order to maintain its performance, the weight of the
vehicle will also be maintained in low numbers in order to be able to
support the car aerodynamic numbers. However, the new Ferrari Purosangue does not have a high ground clearance rather than its competitors such as the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga, and this could be an added value for the car. Furthermore the Ferrari's SUV has an architectural design that is capable of carrying V6, V8 and even V12 engines.
The Ferrari Purosangue SUV test mule is powered by a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine which later it could be the standard engine. (Picture from: Carscoops)
And during the test on the snowy terrain in Sweden, the Ferrari Purosangue used a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine which later it could be the standard engine. Even the engine has also been tested on other Ferrari species such as the F8 Tributo, Roma, Portofino. The engine embedded in the Purosangue is claimed to be able to produce a maximum power of up to 700 hp.
If we seen the Purosangue's engine power capability above, the Maranello-based premium automaker will feel very confident if its Purosangue to be compared to the Urus, its compatriot rival from the Lamborghini automaker, in which on the paper, it will be superior to the Lambo's SUVs whose its maximum engine power only reaches 641 horsepower.
The Ferrari Purosangue SUV's V8 engine is claimed to be able to produce a maximum power of up to 700 hp. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Although Ferrari is currently developing four-wheel drive with an independent gearbox on the front axle. But it is rumored that the Purosangue will also be available with a plug-in hybrid model similar to that used with the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. This means that there will be two electric motors to drive the front wheels, while, the conventional engine will drive the rear wheels. The result will be a Ferrari's SUV with plug-in hybrid technology and four-wheel drive. It also could be proof that the Prancing Horse's distinctive ability is also already embedded in the Purosangue.
Another thing we can look at is the electronic limited-slip differential could be also included in the Purosangue whose can be increases the car's ability to accelerate and reduces the occurrence of lag when driving it on the roads. The Ferrari's first SUV development is a breakthrough but will it be as successful as its competitors? We will know the answer after the Purosangue units begin to be delivered to consumers at the end of 2022 and early 2023. So, We should be patient waiting for the Ferrari Purosangue's further news.😐 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | AUTOCAR | MOTOR1 ]
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Concept ONLY The Indian automotive industry is currently growing rapidly, and this could be mean that it is time for the automakers there to create more high-performance cars aka supercars. Yes, recently an Indian automotive startup called Mean Metal Motors (MMM) is reportedly developing an electric supercar.
MMM Azani is aiming to be the first Indian electric-powered supercar. (Picture from: IndiaCarNews)
As quoted from IndiaCarNews, the Bengaluru based automotive company was founded in 2012 and aiming to produce India's first high-performance electric supercar. The company founder and CEO Sarthak Paul said, that his company, the MMM also wants to create an ecosystem that helps increase electrification in India.
Initially, the company started with a team of four 19 year old’s in Indianow has grown to a strong 22 member team. The team works on various aspects such as research & development, design, aerodynamics and engineering with their technical partners from the UK, Germany and the US.
MMM Azani has a quite striking looks with a low and wide designs, and coupled with the roof in the style of a fighter plane characterizes a high-performance car. (Picture from: IndiaCarNews)
As we ever written in the articles sometime ago precisely in 2015, the company had also pioneered a high-performance vehicle in India by designed a hybrid drivetrain vehicle called the M-Zerowhich was later updated again in 2016 to be an electric powered vehicle. And now the Bengaluru-based automotive company has announced that it is preparing the candidate for the first Indian electric-powered supercar, named MMM Azani.
Visually, MMM Azani has a quite striking looks. The car design is low and wide, featured with the roof in the style of a fighter plane characterizes a high-performance car. Furthermore, it has sleek headlights and tall, curved fenders give it as a supercar looks should be like, then coupled with sweetened front air inlet, sleek rear deck.
MMM Azani is powered by the electric motor capable of spewing out power more than 1,000 horsepower, so its acceleration 0-100 kph done in under 2 second with a top speed of 350 kph. (Picture from: TopSpeed)
Although the automaker hasn't disclosed the size of its battery packs, it says the Azani will be able to coverage a distance of between 550 km and 700 km on a single battery charged. Interestingly, the supercar is said to be powered by the electric motor capable of spewing out power more than 1,000 horsepower. So, it's also claimed that the acceleration from 0-100 kph could be done in under two seconds, before reached a top speed of 350 kph.
MMM Azani will be built in a micro-facility which it claims can reduce production
costs to less than a fifth of the usual manufacturing method. (Picture from: IndiaCarNews)
Furthermore, the automaker said that the Azani will be built in a micro-facility which it claims can reduce production costs to less than a fifth of the usual manufacturing method, and believes that this new production method will change the way electric vehicles are produced in India.
As the result, the first engineered model of the MMM Azani will be out in the second half of 2022. It seem, we should to wait long until this electric supercar really hits the production line as the plans. And if all the car' production matters completed so it ready goes on sale would be had the price tags estimated around US $120,000 or Rp. 1.7 billion.😐 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MMM | INDIACARNEWS | TOPSPEED ]
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Elegant ONES Of course, the world's automotive enthusiasts is already know who Giotto Bizzarrini is. Well, he was one of the Italian leading automotive engineers in the late 1950s and 1960s who is noted to have worked for several well-known Italian manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Iso, even later made his own cars independently by using his own brand.
All
three Bizzarrini 5300 SI Spyders while headed to the 21st annual Amelia
Island Concours d’Elegance 2016 (in the middle, the silver colored
known as the 'Prototipo,' the blue one in the left as the second unit, while the third one in the right is painted on the red). (Picture from: OldCarsWeekly)
Giotto Bizzarrini's design portofolio at the big car manufacturer can be seen from several world-renowned exotic cars such as the Ferrari 250 GTO, Lamboghini 350 GTV Prototipo was the forerunner of the first model of Lamborghini cars, then several Iso's cars such as the Iso Rivolta, Iso Grifo A3 and many others.
1966 Bizzarrini 5300 SI Spyder 'Prototipo' was one of the stars of the 1966 Geneva Motorshow. (Picture from: MyCarQuest)
Shortly after Giotto Bizzarrini resigned of the Renzo Rivolta's company, and he decided to establish his own auto company called Bizzarrini S.p.A. in 1966. The company is known to have built a small number of highly advanced and sophisticated sports and racing cars before finally ceased production in 1969.
1966 Bizzarrini 5300 SI Spyder 'Prototipo' has a number of unique features included retractable head lights, seats molded in the body and a multi function roof design. (Picture from: Pinterest)
As quoted of BizzarriniSpyder, during its short production period, turn out the Giotto Bizzarrini's automotive company had success in developing its own car model, named the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada or 5300 GT Corsa for the road going and racing examples respectively. As we knew, the 5300 GT road car models production lasted just three years, in which just over 100 examples had ever produced.
The Bizzarrini 5300 SI Spyder (in pictured the second unit of the 1967) is built only three unit of the 104 unit of the 5300 GT. (Picture from: Mad4Wheels)
Later, from the 5300 GT road car model was born a less number of production model named the Bizzarrini 5300 SI Spyder that really shined as the star of the 1966 Geneva Motorshow displayed on the Bizzarrini's booth (later known as the 'Prototipo' model with SN: IA3 0245). Well, the model above is one of three spyder units built from the 104 units of the 5300 GT road car had been produced.
The interior of the Bizzarrini 5300 SI Spyder(in pictured the second unit of the 1967) features bucket seats moulded into the body and a retractable wind deflector similar to sports cars today. (Picture from: Pinterest)
The Bizzarrini 5300 GT Spyder 'Prototipo' all-alloy bodywork is made and developed by the two Turin-based coachbuilders named S.I (Stile Italia) and S.B (Sibona e Basano) under supervision of Bizzarrini himself. The car has a number of unique features included retractable head lights, seats molded in the body and a multi function roof design. The alloy hardtop was fitted with separate roof panels, which allowed the Spyder to be a Coupe, Targa or full Convertible. Likewise with the other 2 models were respectively produced in 1967 and 1968 by the S.I (Stile Italia) Carrozzeria.
The third unit of the 1968 Bizzarrini 5300 SI Spyderis built for the American market following the debut of the prototype at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show. (Picture from: 1080pCarWallpaper)
These unique cars were built on a new race-developed tubular chassis with fully independent rear suspension. Although all three Spyders share some features in common, such as a roof that allows them to become a fully convertible coupe, targa, or roadster, while its interior features bucket seats moulded into the body and a retractable wind deflector similar to sports cars today. But the difference lies in the front, where the 'Prototipo' model has applied the retractable headlights and a chromed front grille, while the other two units have closed headlights with a plain front grille.
The Bizzarrini 5300 SI Spyder (in pictured the third unit of the 1968) were built on a new race-developed tubular chassis with fully independent rear suspension. (Picture from: 1080pCarWallpaper)
After being in hiding for over three decades, the silver colored 'Prototipo' model had fully restored several hours before re-appearance at the 2004 Concorso d'Italia and Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, where this gorgeous Bizzarrini spyder had several commendations at the several differ catagories. As qouted of the AllCarCentral, the car's current owner is also in possession of the two production Bizzarrini Spyders.
The second unit of the Bizzarrini 5300 Spyder was in blue (SN: IA3-0315S) produced by Giotto Bizzarrini after his spyder prototype debuted to great acclaim. Like the other race Bizzarrinis, it has an alloy body built by Stile Italia but it also has a targa roof that is permanently attached in true T-Top fashion, making the chassis slightly stiffer.
Meanwhile, the third unit of the Bizzarrini 5300 Spyders was in red (SN: BA4-108) is built for the American market following the debut of the prototype at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show. Coincidentally, the car was shipped from Bizzarrini’s factory in Livorno to its first owner who lived in Livonia, Michigan. A year after arriving in the United States the car was bought by John Sassak, the current owner’s (Mark Sassak) father.
As qouted of HistoricAutpPro, Mark Sassak is currently the owner of two Bizzarrini Spyders, ie the silver 'Prototipo' of the 1966 and the red spyder of the 1968. All the three unique and rare Bizzarrini 5300 GT Spyders last appeared along with its sibling model of the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada as well as other classic car models occured at the 2016 Concours d'Elegance, Pebble Beach, California. Such a great and scarce momment, We wished it could be happened again in the future.😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BIZZARRINISPYDER | ALLCARCENTRAL | SUPERCARS.NET | OLDCARSWEEKLY | HISTORICAUTOPRO ]
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SuperBEAST Before naptime we tried to write about an all- new sports car that was inspired by the 1960s classic racing cars. Indeed as we all knew, this has been done by many car makers today. Recently an automotive firm called Radford Motors revealed a new sports car named the Radford Type 62-2.
Radford Type 62-2 (in pictured the Gold Leaf variant) is debuted at at Quail Lodge as part of the Monterey Car Week 2021. (Picture from: CarsRadars)
As quoted of Auto Express and Goodwood Road & Racing, it later became the latest sportscar made from the British company after an absence of more than fifty years. As an automotive company, Radford Motors started from Harold Radford & Co, which is well known as a specialist in the customized car bodywork such as the Bentley and Roll-Royce cars. The company was then rebuilt by a partnership consisting of the automotive designer Mark Stubbs, the former F1 driver Jenson Button, and a television persona Ant Anstead.
Radford Type 62-2 (in pictured the Gold Leaf variant) also marked the company's come back after an absence of more than fifty years. (Picture from: Goodwood Road & Racing)
The automaker said that the Radford Type 62-2 sports car is took inspiration of the 1969 Lotus Type 62 race car which was developed from the Lotus Europa and was used as a test bed for the Lotus 907 engine. Interestingly, this two-seat sports coupé was not only inspired by the Lotus race car but also claimed to be developed from the Lotus technology.
1969 Lotus Type 62 race car which was developed from the Lotus Europa and was used as a test bed for the Lotus 907 engine (Picture from: CarBuzz)
So it is not surprising if then the Radford Type 62-2 is made as closely as possible to its source of inspiration. The sports car has a height dimension of 1,133 mm from the ground, wide wheel arches, and air holes on the side. According to the co-founder of Radford Motors, Jenson Button who said that the making of the Radford Type 62-2 was a big challenge.
Radford Type 62-2 (in pictured the Gold Leaf variant) posed along with its sources of inspiration, the 1969 Lotus Type 62 racing car. (Picture from: CarsRadars)
"Creating a car that is luxurious as well as comfortable, and fun to drive is a formidable challenge. But the first Radford in the modern era managed to achieve it through this Type 62-2 product," as explained by the former British F1 driver.
Radford Type 62-2 (in pictured the Classic variant) is powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine also used by the Lotus Emira. (Picture from: GridOto)
The Radford Type 62-2 is built from an aluminum chassis taken from Lotus Evora and has a body made of carbon fiber so it is claimed to be quite light at only 1,000 kg. It also applied the coilover suspension that can be adjusted in four directions, and coupled with the optional hydraulic nose lift system for the owners who have to drive the car on rough roads.
Radford Type 62-2 Gold Leaf is powered by an upgraded engine (ranging from the pistons, con-rods, camshafts, and
electronic mapping) so makes it capable to spit out power up to 500
horsepower. (Picture from: AutoBlog)
The Radford Motors said that its new sports car is offered in two options, namely Classic and Gold Leaf. The two variants will each be powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine also used by the Lotus Emira. Besides that, potential customers can choose a 6-speed manual transmission system or a 7-speed dual clutch with a limited slip differential.
Radford Type 62-2 (in pictured the Gold Leaf variant) is light, fast and nimble and will hold its own among even the most accomplished of supercars. (Picture from: AutoBlog)
For the performance, its Radford Type 62-2 Classic is claimed to have power up to 430 horsepower with a power-to-weight ratio of around 1:1. As for the second one, the Radford Type 62-2 Gold Leaf, which is beautifully displayed in a typical red-white racing livery, is said to be powered by an upgraded engine (ranging from the pistons, con-rods, camshafts, and electronic mapping) so makes it capable to spit out power up to 500 horsepower. As for the legs, the Classic variant uses 17-inches rims at front and the rear of 18-inches, while the Gold Leaf uses 18-inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear.
Radford Type 62-2 (in pictured the Gold Leaf variant) features a more pronounced front and rear splitters, which the firm says provides 'a race car stance,' providing increased aerodynamic downforce. (Picture from: AutoCar)
Furthermore, the automaker also mentions that there will be a third variant in the near future called the Radford Type 62-2 JPS which is to be wrapped by the John Player Special racing livery as attached on the Lotus Type 72D F1 racing car in 1970s and said to be powered by a V6 engine capable of producing a burst of power of 600 horsepower.
As far as Radford Motors plans to produce a total of 62 units of the Type 62-2 sports car and made it according to customer specifications starting later by the end of the year. As the bespoke nature of each vehicle means that there is no publicly available price tag (estimated around $100 thousand).😯 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RADFORD MOTORS | STRAINSMEDIA | AUTOEXPRESS | GOODWOOD ROAD & RACING | AUTOCAR | AUTOBLOG | CARBUZZ ]
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ICE HIGHNESS For automotive enthusiasts, the 1950s is known as one of the eras that recorded the birth of cars with unique and strange shapes that were inspired by many things related to the jets, rockets and outerspaces, so it's no wonder that this period was known as the jet-age. Wild and garish designs are becoming commonplace in hopes of capturing the public's imagination. One of the famous concept cars from this era was the Ford Futura which later became the basis of the Batmobile.
The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom built by Richard Fletcher in the 1987 by using the Studebaker body elements and the Cadillac's mechanic components. (Picture from: NewAtlas)
Here is another example, a very unique car named the Studebaker XF58 'Ice Princess' custom car is a special vehicle for Studebaker's vision of the future in the 50s as envisioned by the 80s custom car makers. That's not as confusing as it sounds. Well, the unique car was made in 1987 by Richard Fletcher using body elements from Studebaker and Cadillac.
The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom is very clearly visible reflecting the bullet nose design of the 1950s Studebaker models. (Picture from: HotCars)
As qouted of the Hotcars, the car began its life as a sedan, eventually being modified in such a way that it became like a 20-foot-long 6-wheeled weird starship. The original plan, the car maker wanted to make the car as if it was made and designed by the Studebaker stylist of the 1950s. Mostly of the car's bodywork is hand made by using sheet metal on the Studebaker chassis and powered by the Cadillac mechanical components.
The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom also featured with the double bubble canopy cockpit. (Picture from: SteamPunkTendencies)
So it is not surprising that the distinctive shape of the Studebaker is very clearly visible reflecting the bullet nose design of the 1950s Studebaker models. It's framed by custom headlights and a dual axle front end for a total length of 20 feet. The long sweeping hood adopted of the 1950s styles, coupled with the double bubble canopy cockpit.
The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom is powered by the latest 500 cubic inche Cadillac's engine. (Picture from: AtomPunk)
This 1950s oddly styled of Studebaker is powered by a 500 cubic inch engine taken from the latest Cadilac. Maximum output for that unit is 400 horsepower, although it's not clear which configuration has been used. Judging from the physical shape uniqueness, what is certain is that the car is worthy of being an ideal set of wheels for a superhero or perhaps even a supervillain.😎 As you can see on the almost similar wheels belong to Captain Nemo or Red Skull have.👍
Once completed, the car was sold in 2018 for $38,500 at the Russo & Steele's auction event in Scottsdale, Arizona. The last time the weird shaped car appeared for the public at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show as part of the Klairmount Kollection which is a touring car collection originally created by a World War II veteran named Larry Klairmont turned into a successfull real estate developer. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | NEWATLAS | STEAMPUNKTENDENCIES | HOTCARS ]
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Another thing we can look at is the electronic limited-slip differential could be also included in the Purosangue whose can be increases the car's ability to accelerate and reduces the occurrence of lag when driving it on the roads. The Ferrari's first SUV development is a breakthrough but will it be as successful as its competitors? We will know the answer after the Purosangue units begin to be delivered to consumers at the end of 2022 and early 2023. So, We should be patient waiting for the Ferrari Purosangue's further news.😐 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | AUTOCAR | MOTOR1 ]
