not The END - In the dynamic realm of automotive excellence, where high prices are often just a minor inconvenience for the elite, the pursuit of rare and limited-edition cars becomes a passion for the privileged few. One such marvel that graced the automotive stage in 1998 was the Lamborghini Pregunta, a concept car that exudes exclusivity and innovation. Unveiled at the 1998 Paris Motor Show and later showcased at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, the Lamborghini Pregunta remains a testament to automotive ingenuity.
Crafted as a one-of-a-kind prototype by the renowned French Carrosserie Heuliez, the Pregunta is often hailed as the last bastion of a fully Italian Lamborghini supercar. The late 1998 takeover of Lamborghini by Audi led to the abrupt discontinuation of several exciting projects, including the tantalizing Canto, leaving the Pregunta as a poignant reminder of what could have been.
1998 Lamborghini Pregunta posed along with Dassault Rafale jet fighter. (Picture from: Autodrome.fr)
Unlike its Lamborghini counterparts named after formidable bulls, the Pregunta dons a simpler yet intriguing name. "Pregunta," Spanish for "question," beckons enthusiasts to explore the mysteries and wonders encapsulated within its unique design. With its low ground clearance and infusion of Formula 1 racing technology, the Pregunta stands as a symbol of avant-garde engineering.
Front view of 1998 Lamborghini Pregunta. (Picture from: Autoblog)
Built on the Diablo chassis, the Pregunta houses a formidable V12 engine generating an impressive 520 horsepower. Its velocity is awe-inspiring, reaching a top speed of 333 kph (206 mph), surpassing its predecessor, the Diablo, which clocks in at 322 kph (200 mph). The design not only prioritizes speed but also boasts a lighter and more straightforward rear-wheel-drive structure, with radiators strategically relocated to the front.
The Pregunta's exterior showcases a silver paint job, complemented by a distinctive blue interior. Designed as a convertible, it offers the option to transition into a closed Berlinetta (means 'small sedan' or more precisely, 'coupe'). Noteworthy features include the Dassault stealth external paintwork and dynamic air intakes inspired by the Dassault Rafale jet fighter, embodying cutting-edge technology reminiscent of Formula 1.
Step inside the Pregunta, and you'll encounter a showcase of the latest devices and innovations. A Formula 1-style dashboard by Magnetti-Marelli, the Cristine navigational aid by BCI, and a CD stereo system by Alpine, which also supplies screens for the rearview system, epitomize the fusion of luxury and technology. Other features include 4-point self-winding seat belts by Schrott, fiber optic atmospheric lighting by DGA, and a steering wheel by Classic Board.
Recent reports suggest that this automotive masterpiece is slated for sale at a staggering price of €1.6 million (approximately $2.1 million), making it not just a car but a coveted piece of automotive history. The Lamborghini Pregunta, with its fusion of speed, innovation, and exclusivity, invites aficionados to embark on a journey where every drive is a question waiting to be answered. *** [EKA (06012014) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTODROME.FR | AUTOBLOG ]
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Elegant Wheel ART Any resemblance to the Y-Job is purely intentional. Yet while the original Buick dream car will likely remain in GM’s possession as long as there’s a GM to possess it, the Buick Blackhawk show car of 2003 that took general inspiration, if not specific styling cues, from the Y-Job.
Conceived to celebrate Buick’s centennial, the Blackhawk showcases an amalgam of parts from throughout Buick’s history, all blended together in a 2+2 convertible body. Michael E. Doble, then Buick’s special vehicles manager, came up with the idea of a centennial car, but he didn’t have it done in house. Instead, he turned to Steven Pasteiner, a consulting designer with Advanced Automotive Technologies in Rochester Hills, Michigan, as well as a former Buick designer. According to Gizmag, Pasteiner’s association with Buick stretched back to the 1960s and included designs for the production GS as well as for several concept cars.
Left side view of 2003 Buick Blackhawk concept has a retractable convertible with styling from the ‘30s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HM0sVg)
While Pasteiner started with a 1996 Buick Riviera powered by a 240hp L67 supercharged 3800 V-6, he left little of the original front-wheel-drive luxury car other than the VIN to build around. Instead, it uses a scratchbuilt front-engine and rear-wheel-drive 129-inch-wheelbase chassis, Corvette-sourced independent front and rear suspension, a circa 1970 Buick 455 fitted with electronic fuel injection and good for 463 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, and a 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission. Pasteiner added a 1939 Buick grille, sheetmetal from 1941 and 1948 Buick Roadmasters, hidden headlamps that directly evoke the Y-Job, a carbon fiber hardtop, and retained the 1996 Riviera’s interior.
Rear side view of 2003 Buick Blackhawk concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HM0sVg)
Reportedly good for a sub-5-second 0-60 time, the Blackhawk bypassed the traditional car show circuit and instead made its way to Buick enthusiast events and even onto film as Will Smith’s ride in Bad Boys II. “The folks who attend those shows are very excited and knowledgeable about cars,” Doble told Gizmag. “We felt we needed a custom Buick for that audience, but not a hot rod. Hot rods tend to have simple bodies, exposed engines, large rear wheels and lots of chrome. But when you build a custom, it’s like you’re redesigning a car.”
After its initial tour, the Blackhawk made its way back to Detroit and eventually took up residence in the GM Heritage Center. But then in 2009, in the midst of the recession, GM put several dozen of its Heritage Center vehicles up for sale, including the Blackhawk. (See similar concept car.) *** [EKA(09062015) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS DAILY]
SuperBEAST Some time ago, we had discussed through an article about a supercar made by an Australian company called Zacaria Supercars, and it turned out that the car was not the only replica of an F1 racing car that could be driven on the streets. Previously, a supercar with similar designs and specifications was also made before.
2005 Leblanc Mirabeau built by a Switzerland automaker named Wysstec GmbH. and used a 4.7-liter supercharged V8 Koenigsegg-made engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2EB4hEL)
Europe has created many serious supercars, but for the Leblanc Mirabeau of 2005 had presented with its own class. This European's creation was thought to be eligible to compete on the race track in Le Mans, France, but differs from other racing cars, this car was also really worthied using on the highway. And at that time (in 2005) a Leblanc Mirabeau was offered at a price tag of $579,000 with an almost unlimited number of customization options - including the installation of a modern engine of Formula 1.
2005 Leblanc Mirabeau's bodywork made of lightweight Kevlar carbon fiber and sat over a frame made of titanium and magnesium material combinations. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34CCZIU)
This unique supercar manufacturer is Wysstec GmbH. and although the Leblanc brand has the French name, in fact, this is made of an automotive company based in Zurich, Switzerland. Yes, the Leblanc Mirabeau is a racing car that is made and adapted to the FIA / Le Mans standards, so that it can be used at the Le Mans 24Hours race (if the car's owner wanna do that).
2005 Leblanc Mirabeau used a Momo's racing-style steering wheel which has been pinned an electronic speedometer into it. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34CCZIU)
This open-top racing car sits on a frame made of titanium and magnesium and is then supported by a body made of lightweight Kevlar carbon fiber. For the standard version, the interior of this sports car mimics a racing car with almost none of the buttons on the dash. But all this can then be modified to meet the owner's personal preferences including the using of genuine leather in the cabin area, special engine upgrades, or anything else you can think of.
2005 Leblanc Mirabeau's standard engine is capable of spraying power up to 700 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34CCZIU)
The company also knows how to make customers feel special. If interested parties want to make modifications to their Leblanc Mirabeau, they can contact the engineering department directly. It makes sense that paying more than half a million dollars for car owners' rights to a few extra benefits. Despite this, Leblanc brand maker is known among supercar manufacturers for good customer service and personalization.
2005 Leblanc Mirabeau posed with its sibling Leblanc Caroline somewhere in Monaco back in 2009. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34CCZIU)
To provide the power needed to legitimately call Mirabeau a racing car, the Swiss manufacturer then chose a 4.7-liter supercharged V8 engine made by Koenigsegg that is capable of spraying power up to 700 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. As is well known, that Koenigsegg is known throughout the world for creating supercars by its own brand.
By using this engine, this car can be driven up to a top speed of 370 kph and only takes 2.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 kph. And if the speed numbers of more than 225 mph from the standard engine is still considered inadequate, then you can do a small upgrade by installing a Formula 1 engine.
For those in harmony with true performance, it goes without saying that Leblanc Mirabeau is not just a car. In fact, it really is more than a supercar. This is a true race car and made in limited numbers (it's said only 50 units had ever made). The fact that it is designed for sightseeing only makes that more than a dream for serious enthusiasts of vehicles everywhere. It is not surprising when one of the owners of this unique supercar is the Sultan of Brunei, His Excellency Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah.
Unfortunately, now the existence of the manufacturer which was previously also known through the Leblanc Caroline car is unknown, whether it still survives in the business or bankrupt or what? The company's official website cannot be found anymore on the internet. *** [EKA(21122019) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEW ATLAS | CAR IN MY DNA | WIKIPEDIA] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
UniqueONESSo there are plenty of awesome classic European motor vehicles out there in the auto world, but this one right here might just be one of our favorites. Why is that you may ask?
This right here ain’t just an old classic European supercar. No sir. This right here is an incredibly badass Lamborghini P147 Gandini Acosta Concept. This thing is super rare and seldom seen anywhere. Feast your auto loving eyes on this gem.
Lamborghini P147 Gandini Acosta Concept presented an alternative to the Zagato Canto concept. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1X2q1X)
This concept car is designed by Marcello Gandini who is also known as the designer of the Lamborghini Countach and projected as one alternative to the Diablo's successor after the Canto.
There are only a little information about this concept car is known by the public and rumored, even the manufacturer also been wrong in a presentation in 2007 by introducing it as Canto (because both have the same internal code, ie P147).
Right side view of Lamborghini P147 Gandini Acosta Concept. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1X32Rn)
This concept car uses the base chassis taken of the Diablo but outwardly very much different except that its Scissor doors style. There's notechnical specification data of this car concept. But unfortunately, both Canto and Acosta are not forwarded to become one of Diablo's successors. And the luckiest one that taken as the successor is Murcielago.
The Lamborghini P147 Gandini Acosta Concept initially was made to replace its predecessor Diablo. Here's its unique South American-made predecessor Lamborghini Diablo Coatl. *** [EKA(24022016) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KIDCONCEPT]
THe Most ONES The French automotive manufacturer, Citroën has been famous for its teardrop body design cars that give it a unique look. And one of them we can see on its classic model, Citroën DS, while the 'DS' comes from the 'deesse' (the French mean 'goddess'). Its name implies, as the goddess, besides being beautiful, of course, she also has strength and power.
The Citroën DS has beauty appearance, turn out the car is very far surpassed other
cars at that time in terms of automotive technology innovation and
overall performance. (Picture from: Hagerty)
Indeed, besides it has beauty appearance, turn out the car is very far surpassed other cars at that time in terms of automotive technology innovation and overall performance. Even in the early of its born, the Classic & Sports Car Magazine also had titled it "the most beautiful car ever made," after conducting a poll that involved 20 world-class car designers including Giorgetto Giugiaro, Ian Callum, Roy Axe, Paul Bracq, Leonardo Fioravanti, and others.
The Citroën DS has the futuristic lines captured the public imagination and by the end of the day an astonishing 80,000 orders had been taken. (Picture from: CintaMobil)
Indeed, there are some cars that stand out and beat each others due to the superiority of one factor alone such as technology, appearance or performance. However, only the Citroën DS, which was first introduced in 1955, was able to combine the three pillars simultaneously. Even after several decades since it was first born, in fact it is still difficult to beat the various innovations it has inherited.
The Citroën DS made its first appearance at the 1955 Paris Salon de l'Automobile (Paris Motor Show). (Picture from: CintaMobil)
This beautiful car made its first appearance at the 1955 Paris Salon de l'Automobile (Paris Motor Show). At that time, the visitors of the expo were immediately fascinated to see this Citroën made car featured various innovations that were far beyond its time. Not surprisingly, before the closing ceremony of the event, the Citroën's representative at the event recorded more than 80,000 reservation orders for the car. That's a remarkable record that lasted nearly 60 years, before being surpassed in March 2016 by the Tesla Model 3 with 180,000 reservations.
The Citroën DS has an aerodynamic body that has an air resistance coefficient (Cd) of 0.34 which can only be rivaled by the 1980s sedans. (Picture from: CintaMobil)
One of the important factors for the beauty of the Citroën DS iis thanks to the briliant hand touches of the French designers Flaminio Bertoni and André Lefèbvre. Before becoming the car designer, Flaminio Bertoni was a sculptor. After he was working for Citroën for many years, he used his imagination as a sculptor to produce several legendary works including the Traction Avant (1934), 2CV (1948), H van (1947), and Ami 6 (1961).
The Citroën DS has an aerodynamic body that has an air resistance coefficient (Cd) of 0.34 which can only be rivaled by the 1980s sedans. To achieve its Cd of 0.34, the Citroën engineers applied a smooth design and also minimized body protrusions. Not to forget, they hid the air ducts, installed rear wheel cover panels, made body curves that "flow" and the windows have minimal air resistance.
The Citroën DS's interior consisted front seats, rear seats, B pillar coverings, top grab handles, door
cappings, door panels including chrome trims, sleeve for air vent under
dashboard. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The Citroën DS's drive system is front wheel drive similar to the Citroën Traction Avant by utilizing an engine and transmission system mounted longitudinally in front. While the bodywork, Citroën engineers use a mixture of materials such aluminum (hood), glass fiber (roof), steel (body panels, frame). One more thing, its steel monocoque frame has adopted the crumple zone special designs.
The Citroën DS featured with the hydraulic system for suspension, clutch and transmission operations. (Picture from: CintaMobil)
In most conventional vehicles at that time, the hydraulic system was only used for the brake and power steering systems. However, things are different when embedded in the Citroën DS, where the hydraulic system is applied to the suspension, clutch, and transmission systems. In order for the hydraulic system to function optimally in the suspension, clutch, and transmission, an engine-driven hydraulic pump is used which can produce a pressure of 17.2 MPa (2,490 psi).
The use of a hydraulic suspension system (hydropneumatic) also functions as an automatic self-leveling system and variable ground clearance which at that time was quite innovative and helped the Citroën DS to perform extreme maneuvers, resulting in excellent control and providing extraordinary suspension comfort (often called the "magic carpet").Prior to the Citroën DS, the hydropneumatic suspension had been in service and was pioneered by the Citroën Traction Avant 15CV-H.The hydropneumatic suspension created by Paul Magès allowed the Citroën DS to go fast on rough roads that were often found in France at that time.
Another excellent features was pinned on the Citroën DS such the directional headlight, in which high beam headlights (inside) are connected to the steering wheel via cables and can glance up to 80-degrees. (Picture from: CintaMobil)
Another
excellent feature, the directional headlight that is installed on this
car. Although actually Citroën wasn't the first car applied for the such feature, it was
the Tucker 48 'Torpedo'.
However, Citroën was the first car manufacturer to market adaptive
headlights into mass products. In late 1967, Citroën released the
facelifted version of the 1968 DS model year by Robert Opron (also designed the 1970 Citroën SM and 1974 Citroën CX). The 1968 Citroën DS has a more streamlined design of four headlight units inside a glass canopy.
The Citroën DS was produced in long periods between 1955 and 1975 with sedan, wagon, and convertible (such in pictured) models. (Picture from: CintaMobil)
The
high beam headlights (inside) are connected to the steering wheel via
cables and can glance up to 80-degrees. While the low beam headlights
(on the outside) are not adaptive, they are equipped with a
self-leveling feature to reduce pitching symptoms caused by acceleration
and braking so that the lighting is always stable. Adaptive headlights
allow the driver to see the conditions around the car while driving
through winding roads while speeding at night.
The Citroën DS is the first car to use an Inboard disc brake system to make maintenance easier and minimize potential problems . (Picture from: CintaMobil)
The Citroën DS became one of the world's first cars to apply a disc brake system on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. While other cars at that time still relied on a drum brake system for all wheels. What is unique is that the front disc brakes of the Citroën DS are placed in the engine compartment (in-board disc brakes), not attached to the wheels such the conventional cars in general. This simplifies maintenance and minimizes potential problems. A few years later, the innovation was re-used by many military vehicles such as the HMMWV (Humvee) and the Toyota Mega Cruiser.
This Citroën-made car had gone down into one part of the historical momment when it became the life saver of Charles de Gaulle,
then President of France from an assassination attempt that occurred on
August 22, 1962, at Le Petit-Clamart near Paris by a veteran of the
Algerian colonial war named Jean-Marie Bastien-Thiry.
At that time President De Gaulle survived and managed to escape the
assassination attempt even though the presidential Citroën DS (standard
version) was recieved by dozens of 9 mm caliber bullets which caused the
body to have holes and flat the tires.
The French President Charles de Gaulle on the Citroën DS presidential car was hailed to the public at the side of the roads.(Picture from: CintaMobil)
Despite
having experienced its four wheels skid, the driver managed to speed up
the presidential car to get away from the scene. You can imagine that
without the hydropneumatic suspension system, it is certain that the French
presidential car should be roll-over after several SMG bullets hit the tires.
After the incident, Charles de Gaulle vowed only to use the
Citroën cars.
The French Citroën DS presidential car is recieved by dozens of 9 mm caliber bullets which caused the body to have holes and flat the tires in the assault back in the 1962. (Picture from: CintaMobil)
The Citroën DS was produced in long periods between 1955 and 1975 with sedan, wagon, and convertible body models, the car was also known as one of the French luxury cars at the time, and is still considered the most unique car ever produced to date. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY | CARSTYLING.RU | FRENCHCLASSICS ]
UniqueONESAs all we've been known, that the 1980s can be regarded as an era where the Japanese-made sports cars began to squirm and show its potential to the whole world. This is marked by the development of several vehicle designs made by Japanese designers, and what is most remembered of the era is the birth of the first supercar from the land of the rising sun, Jiotto Caspita.
Lamborghini P147 Canto Concept by is sat on display at the Museo Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy. (Picture from: LamboCars)
And one more vehicle design that was quite phenomenal ever made by a Japanese designer in that era was The Lamborghini Canto, a prototype built by the famous Italian automaker Lamborghini SpA. and designed by the automotive styling firm Carrozzeria Zagato as an exercise to study potential designs for the Lamborghini Diablo's successor. Various versions of the Canto were shown to the then-president of Lamborghini but unfortunately, the project was canned and was not deemed suitable to wear the Lamborghini badge.
Lamborghini P147 Zagato Canto Concept design is made by Norihoko Harada of SZ Designs. (Picture from: Motor1)
The original design for the Canto was done by Norihoko Harada
of SZ Designs, a novelty for Lamborghini, but after intial tests the
rear end of the car had to be redesigned, the ugly oversized air intakes
were to be replaced by smaller ones, probably incorporating some
thermostatically controlled system to ram air into the engine
compartment. The 'Naca' ducts on the side of some of the prototypes,
were fakes and were expected to be removed on the production model.
The Canto first spotted in high-speed tests on the Nardo circuit in Italy, Lamborghini apparently had problem to cooling down its big V-12 6-liter engine, the rear air intakes were terrifyingly big at the rear, however the speed was phenomenal. A rumoured top speed of about 350 kph was mentioned.
Lamborghini L147 Zagato Canto Concept previewed a possible Diablo successor. (Picture from: LamboCars)
Since the Audi takeover of Lamborghini in June 1998, the tests moved a little faster, the Diablo successor, it was hoped would be ready for the 1999 production year at a suggested price of $250,000, production limited to only 400 units, all with rear wheel drive.
Audi Chairman Ferdinand Piëch decided the 1998 Canto prototype was not what was expected of a Lamborghini, like the Diablo and the legendary Countach and Miura, so he halted the project. He was unhappy with the large, ugly rear air intakes and felt that the engine was not up to what should be expected of a pure supercar.
Left side view of Lamborghini L147 Zagato Canto Concept. (Picture from: LamboCars)
But during February 1999, the Lamborghini Design facility came up with a slightly modified Canto proposal. The front was facelifted, the headlight units remained almost identical, but the fog lights utilized more up to date poly-ellipsoïde technology. The turn indicators and driving lights were repositioned on top of the front wings instead of at the front of them as on the first Canto prototypes. However the biggest changes were the rear, the top mounted air intakes, now smaller and much better integrated into the sweeping lines of the Canto.
The complete engine was rethought, it remained the massive V12, with a 6.0 Litre displacement, but the engine management and the complete electronics were changed, and the first tests showed a power increase up to 640 hp. According to the official press release, which Automobili Lamborghini SpA published end of January 1999, the production unit would be detuned to 610 hp. This way the factory would be able to maintain the same maintenance schedule as they used for the 530 hp Diablo's.
Rear side view of Lamborghini L147 Zagato Canto Concept. (Picture from: LamboCars)
In the same press release, Automobili Lamborghini SpA, stated this redesigned Canto prototype would be presented to the public at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show and the Diablo would remain in production for a further two years. These two years would be needed to get the Canto fully developed for production.
Several interior designs were created, but at this time nothing about the final looks had been revealed. However the 1999 Geneva Auto Show didn't have anything resembling the Canto on display, Automobili Lamborghini didn't get the green light from Ferdinand Piëch to show the nearly finished redesigned Canto from Zagato, and the project was finally canned.
It is rumoured a total of five Cantos were built, although some sources believe the same chassis was used for several of these prototype's, so it is probable that only three new chassis were built for the various Canto's. One of these prototypes, a black fully working example is believed to have been shipped to Japan and is now in the hands of a private collector.
Work then turned to a completely new project, with the Diablo eventually being replaced in late 2001 by the Murcielago without single one of Canto ever produced. Wanna see its cousin called Lamborghini P147 Gandini Acosta Concept which sat along with it at the Museo Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy? *** [EKA(17022016) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | MOTOR1 | AUTOGUIDE]
Crafted as a one-of-a-kind prototype by the renowned French Carrosserie Heuliez, the Pregunta is often hailed as the last bastion of a fully Italian Lamborghini supercar. The late 1998 takeover of Lamborghini by Audi led to the abrupt discontinuation of several exciting projects, including the tantalizing Canto, leaving the Pregunta as a poignant reminder of what could have been.
Recent reports suggest that this automotive masterpiece is slated for sale at a staggering price of €1.6 million (approximately $2.1 million), making it not just a car but a coveted piece of automotive history. The Lamborghini Pregunta, with its fusion of speed, innovation, and exclusivity, invites aficionados to embark on a journey where every drive is a question waiting to be answered. *** [EKA (06012014) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTODROME.FR | AUTOBLOG ]
