Unique ONES Competition continues to make the car faster. Not only involves a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Bugatti, other brands also continue to emerge to fight them, one of which is Laraki Motors. This is not a supercar you will see too often in your life – or there are even bigger chances you won’t ever see it in metal and gasoline flesh anytime during your lifetime. So, we should all feast our eyes on these photos, as we can never have too many small series fancy supercars.
Laraki Epitome Concept on The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: http://www.inautonews.com/)
Laraki Motors was founded in Morrocco but is now based in California, hence the Pebble Beach unveiling and the sheikh pleasing design ushered by the Abdesslam Laraki designer/founder of the company. The company recently showed their newest concept car, the Epitome Concept. And the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance event is visited by rich people from around the world chosen as the debut of this concept car.
Epitome basic concept is the C6 Corvette chassis using carbon fiber body panels and an aluminum chassis on his body, which can reduce the car weight of 1,270 kilograms (2,799.87 lbs) so that the car can compete in the same class with the Bugatti Veyron.
Power used to propel the car came from the Chevrolet engine with 7.0 liters of capacity. Modified small block engine with twin-turbocharged. Initial force reached 1,100 to 1,200 hp.
However, the concept actually features two fuel tanks — one for standard pump gas, and another for 110 octane racing fuel. And, with a single button push the ECU will be remapped and the car will use fuel from both tanks to push out the maximum estimated rating of 1,750 horsepower.
But to get this car, the millionaire must dug deep enough their pockets. Because Laraki will sells the cars that is produced only 9 units at the high price, about U.S. $ 2 million (or approx Rp. 20.67 billion). "His reaction was more than expected," said Laraki as quoted by USA Today. *** [EKA(24082013) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INAUTONEWS | USA TODAY]
BIG Size Talking about SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) from Japan, of course, you can't miss it or usually the one that immediately comes to mind is the Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 model. But it turns out that it's not the only SUV ever made by Toyota Motor Corporation, there is another SUV from the Japanese manufacturer that is interesting to discuss, namely the Toyota Mega Cruiser.
The Toyota Mega Cruiser has a dashing look with super large dimensions, and is used by the JGSDF and the Japan National Police Agency. (Picture from: Gridoto)
Now physically if you pay attention, the figure of the Toyota Mega Cruiser has a dashing appearance with very large dimensions with a boxed body. At first glance, its design look similar to the Hummer. So, why is the design so similar to the Hummer?
The Toyota Mega Cruiser has a body with dimensions of 16 inches longer and 7 inches taller than the Hummer. (Picture from: Gridoto)
As quoted of Topgear, as we know that the Hummer's military version aka HMMWV has proven its reliability when used by the United States armed forces in various military operations around the world. It turns out that not only Toyota is captivated by the design, there is the Oltre made by Fiat, an Italian automotive giant back in 2005. All of which have a similar design to the American-made Humvee.
The civilian version of the Toyota Mega Cruiser has a luxurious interior. (Picture from: Gridoto)
So when the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) need the reliable SUVs, and asked the Toyota designed the multi-purpose vehicle as like the American-made. Besides being used by the JGSDF, several units of this multi-purpose vehicle are also used by the Japan's National Police Agency.
The Toyota Mega Cruiser is powered by a 4-cylinder 4,100 cc turbodiesel engine coded 15B-FT capable of spewing power up to 153 horsepower with torque of 382 Nm at 1,800 rpm. (Picture from: MotorBiscuit)
Although the design is similar to the Hummer, the Toyota Mega Cruiser has a body with dimensions of 16 inches longer and 7 inches taller. For the drivetrain, the Toyota Mega Cruiser is powered by a 4-cylinder 4,100 cc turbodiesel engine coded 15B-FT
which is claimed to be capable of spewing power up to 153 horsepower
with a peak torque of 382 Nm at 1,800 rpm.
The engine is coupled with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, and is also equipped with a 2-speed transfer case to distribute power to all four wheels (full-time 4WD). The Japanese auto manufacturer produced the Toyota Mega Cruiser in between 1996 to 2001 as many as 3,000 units. Of these, 133 units have been sold to the civilian. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORBISCUIT ]
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]
But to get this car, the millionaire must dug deep enough their pockets. Because Laraki will sells the cars that is produced only 9 units at the high price, about U.S. $ 2 million (or approx Rp. 20.67 billion). "His reaction was more than expected," said Laraki as quoted by USA Today. *** [EKA(24082013) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INAUTONEWS | USA TODAY]
