The SUCCESSOR As we all know that currently in the world's automotive, the vehicle electrification trend is rife, which makes a number of world automotive manufacturers compete in developing electric vehicles and showing off the results to the public. As has been done by Volkswagen, while showcased its latest concept car called Volkswagen ID.Life at the IAA Mobility 2021 held in Munich recently.
The Volkswagen ID. Life is said to be the company vision of the next generation of fully electric urban mobility. (Picture from: GridOto)
As quoted of Motor1, its production version is planned to be launched in 2025, and is positioned under the Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback. As for the highlights, this four-wheeled vehicle has a cool design and sophisticated cabin. Beside that, the concept runs an electric engine and promises a range of 400 km on a single charge.
The Volkswagen ID. Life concept has debuted at the IAA Mobility 2021 held in September 7, 2021 in Munich. (Picture from: Motor1)
The German auto giant claims that the components of the Volkswagen ID.Life are made of several different recycled and renewable materials. For example, for car paint colorants made of wood chips, while the lightweight removable roof is made of recycled bottles and the tires are made of biologically based oils, rice husks and natural rubber.
The Volkswagen ID. Life concept has a closed panel front fascia without the grille featuring the car's logo, and finished in two-tone colors. (Picture from: Gooto)
The exterior of the Volkswagen ID.Life looks in a simple design inspired by the VW Golf Mk.1 with a flattened hood, a closed panel front fascia without the grille featuring the car's logo, and finished in two-tone colors. The vehicle is flanked by a black B-pillar, which features specially designed 20-inch aero wheels, and cameras as the rear-view mirrors replacement that sends images to the screen inside.
The Volkswagen ID. Life front-wheel drive electric vehicle will be has the potential to be introduced as the first based on its smaller Modularer E-Antriebs Baukasten (MEB) platform. (Picture from: Newsin24)
As for the dimensions, this VW city-car concept has a length of 4,091 mm, a width of 1,845 mm, a height of 1,599 mm, a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, and a ground clearance of 190 mm. When viewed from its dimensions, many parties thought that the ID.Life is more suitable to be the successor to the Volkswagen Polo in the current electrification era.
Inside the cabin of the Volkswagen ID. Life concept featured with an open-top hexagonal steering wheel, a 9-inch screen that functions as a rear view mirror. (Picture from: Motor1)
The Volkswagen tiny car has a spacious cabin, which is also equipped with a removable roof, then there's the door's pockets that can be used as the smartphone's inductive charger, foldable front and rear seats, and an open-top hexagonal steering wheel. Furthermore, on this car is also equipped with a 9-inch screen that functions as a rear view mirror, then the projector, plus its projection screen for the entertainment and game console system.
Inside the cabin of the Volkswagen ID. Life concept also featured with the projector, plus its projection screen for the entertainment and game console system. (Picture from: Newsin24)
Since this is just a concept vehicle, the designers attached some features on the Volkswagen ID. Life that may not appear in actual production vehicles. But what is certain is that the German manufacturer will install air bags and other safety equipment on the production version of the car later to fullfil the regulation regarding to the production of the road legal car.
The automaker claimed that the Volkswagen ID. Life concept are made of several different recycled and renewable materials. (Picture from: Motor1)
Not only that, the city-car concept has the potential to be introduced as a smaller Modularer E-Antriebs Baukasten (MEB) platform. The Volkswagen's Chief Executive Officer, Ralf Brandstatter said, "The ID.Life is our vision of the next generation of fully electric urban mobility. This concept car provides a preview of an ID model in the small car segment which will launch in 2025 at a price of around 20,000 euros."
The Volkswagen ID. Life concept is powered by the electric motors and 57 kWh batteries, producing a combined power output of 231 hp and 290 Nm of torque. (Picture from: Newsin24)
As for the drivetrain, the Volkswagen ID.Life is powered by the electric motors and 57 kWh batteries, producing a combined power output of 231 hp and 290 Nm of torque. So with that much power, the city-car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 6.9 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 180 kph, and has a mileage of about 400 km on a single charge based on the WLTP cycles.
As previously mentioned, the production version of the Volkswagen ID.Life will be available in 2025, and it is estimated that later this car will be sold by the German company in a price ranging from €20,000 (around Rp. 337 million) up to €25,000 (Rp. 422 million). Unfortunately, the Volkswagen did not say which specific markets the new model would be offered in. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 ]
Modern LOOKS If those of you were first time heard the 'Veritas' auto brand, that indeed could be a little strange for ours today. But in fact, the brand was first owned by the German automotive company under the same name founded by 3 individuals who worked at BMW, ie Ernst Loof, Georg Meier, and Lorenz Dietrich shortly after the 2nd World War was over (precisely 1947).
The company initially rebuilt and tuned the pre-war BMW 328 by using customer-supplied components, turning it into a BMW-Veritas car and after only a few cars were made the brand become into Veritas, following an objection from BMW. One of its car made named the Veritas SP90 Convertible in the 1949 to 1950 already discussed previously in one of our articles.
After a virtual disappearance from motor racing and automotive engineering for nearly 50 years, the Veritas brand would be revived through a small German company based in Grafschaft, Rhineland named Vermot AG. by making the limited numbers roofless supercars called the Veritas RS III since 2009.
Veritas
RS III Roadster has the grim look with tapered headlight design so as
to form like a pair of creepy eyes coupled with the grille strange and
unique shape. (Picture from: http://www.motorauthority.com/)
This
supercar is considered as the last incarnation of BMW racing cars in
1949, and reportedly has been distributed to customers since January
2010 at a price that is just fantastic which is about €345,000, or about
Rp. 5.7 billion.
However, the
relatively high price is still reasonable because in addition to made by
hand made, the ferocious look supercar that was also produced in
limited numbers i.e only 30 units with approximately 8 weeks processing
time for one unit of the car.
Amazingly,
supercar that has the long dimensions of 4.68 meters and wide of 2.02
meters, it turns out there are many of the world's wealthy people
interested to have it. Supercar that has a 1+1 seat formation itself
apart from having the grim look with tapered headlight design so as to
form like a pair of creepy eyes coupled with the grille strange and
unique shape.
Behind
its ferocious looks, was also installed a V10 engine that has a
capacity of 5.0 liter, the same engine used in the BMW M5 and M6, it
capable of spraying maximum power up to 507 hp. Power is channeled to
all wheels via a six-speed transmission system that make the 1,000 kg
(2,204.62 lbs) supercar can drive up to 100 kph (62 mph) in just 3.2
seconds and can glide with a maximum speed of 347 kph (215.62 mph).
HYBRID VERSION
Vermot
AG also launched a hybrid version in 2011 that increased the supercar
power, thanks to the application of 105 kW electric motor which mounted
on both front wheels. With the addition of the electric motors, the
total power which generated by this supercar engine was increased to 600
hp.
But its weighs also increased up to 500 kg (1,102.31
lbs) as a result of holding a lithium ion battery. Despite heavier now,
Vermot AG claims that the supercar is capable of speeds up to 100 kph
in just 3.1 seconds, down 0.1 seconds from the conventional version
which recorded takes 3.2 seconds to reach the same speed.
But
despite accelerates better, but the supercar top speed drops to 330 kph
(205.05 mph) or 10 kph (6,21 mph) slower than the conventional version.
The supercar's hybrid system is quite intelligent by applying the
Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) technology that is able to
recharge the batteries in when the car is braking.
As
quoted from Translogic on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, with only rely on
the ability of the battery and the electric motor, the hybrid version of
Veritas RS III Roadster is still able to driven up as far as 50 km
(31,07 miles) on standard speed. *** [EKA(14012014) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VERMOT AG | CARSCOOP | TRANSLOGIC]
Beautiful ONES It seems nowadays many good automotive designs be forgotten in a second. It could be happened due to there're so many things affected onto it. Ranging from the complexity of safety rules and so on, which then determine what a designer can and cannot do in designing a vehicle. And even more sad, where not a few car makers who incidentally are big companies are actually more interested in pleasing their investors than the consumers.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 'Visione' is designed to re-imagine the Alfa Romeo's legendary car with a a design that pleases the eye and suits the engine as well as the driver. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
But something different happened half a century ago, when everything was still flowing naturally without being too shackled by the rules and money. Under such circumstances, Alfa Romeo managed to develop one of the most beautiful designs of all time, the road-going version of the Autodelta Tipo 33 sports prototype designed by the legendary Franco Scaglione. Later, it was translated into the real form of the Alfa Romeo Stradale 33 as many as 18 units by Carrozzeria Marazzi in between 1967 and 1969.
The front fascia of the Alfa
Romeo 33 Stradale 'Visione' is completed with the low-positioned scudetto grille is a pentagon with rounded edges and a beautiful graphite finish. It is visually connected with two elongated air intakes, with round LED fog lights looking like jewels. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
As quoted of the Autoevolution, this is deliberately done by the Italian auto manufacturer, so that the racing technology that has been developed by them available to the public. As we have known, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is powered by a 2.0-liter dual-overhead V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft. The engine is capable of spitting out power of up to 227 horsepower, allowing the 33 Stradale to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in less than 6 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 260 kph.
Alfa
Romeo 33 Stradale 'Visione' concept's greenhouse is made in stunning proportions, provides great visibility for the driver, while showcasing the beautiful mid-mounted V8 engine. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
Recently, the legendary 33 Stradale has again attracted the interest of a group of its lovers consisting of Andrea Castiglione, Steffen Hess, Marco Zafferana, Christian Schutz, and Sergio La Gattuta are worked along to re-imagine it into the three dimensions digital design study called the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 'Visione'.
Alfa
Romeo 33 Stradale 'Visione' has a carbon-fibre splitter appears below the integrated bumper for a sharp look. The clamshell bonnet includes the whole front end. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
The aim of the project was to retain the original model's distinctive-endurance style bodywork and design language while endowing the vehicle appearance with the more modern visual theme. The Stradale 33 Visione's design concept includes many interesting aesthetic influences from other Alfa Romeo's iconic 1960s supercars such as the Giulia Sprint GTA, the 33/2 Coupe concept car of 1969, and even the Alfa radial engined medium class bomber, Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero.
While at the rear of the Alfa
Romeo 33 Stradale 'Visione' is featured with the ultimate highlight is the central inlet with rounded edges, surrounded by LED taillightsand added four exhaust tips flanking the transmission housing. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
When you look at the appearance, the car concept's greenhouse is made in stunning proportions, then equipped with LED headlights and taillights, a video camera instead of the rearview mirror, a center lock wheel, and four exhaust tips flanking the transmission housing. Most likely it using a DCT instead of a good manual, the gearbox is directly connected to its V8 fierced engine which also can be seen by your eyes thanks to the transparant engine cover.
Unfortunately, until now the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale Visione remains a concept in the minds of its designers and will not change forever, because now the Italian automaker has other plans for a sporty crossover through its partnership with Groupe PSA.👽 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | CAREXPERT | HICONSUMPTION | BEHANCE ]
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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As previously mentioned, the production version of the Volkswagen ID.Life will be available in 2025, and it is estimated that later this car will be sold by the German company in a price ranging from €20,000 (around Rp. 337 million) up to €25,000 (Rp. 422 million). Unfortunately, the Volkswagen did not say which specific markets the new model would be offered in. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 ]
