Back to Life Actually the idea of making a new car that looks classic is not new in the world's automotive, as many automakers and design studios have been romanticizing it for a long time. For example, the Mazda Motor Corporation did this in 2002 when displaying a concept car called the Mazda Cosmo 21. From the name alone, it is clear that the concept car is a representation of the first car model from the Japanese manufacturer that uses a Wankel (rotary) engine.
The Mazda Cosmo 21 is inspired by the legendary Mazda Cosmo Sport of 1967, built based on the Miata 2nd Generation to comemmorate the legend's 35th anniversary in 2002. (Picture from: JapaneseNostalgicCar)
As we all know, the original Mazda Cosmo was a roadster powered by Mazda's famous rotary engine and was produced between 1967 and 1972. The first generation model was the Mazda's flagship in Japan which had two versions, namely L10A (Series I) and L10B (Series II).
The Mazda Cosmo sports was a roadster powered by Mazda's famous rotary engine and was produced between 1967 and 1972. (Picture from: Mazda Motor Corporation)
The two versions above use a 982 cc rotary engine capable of producing around 110 horsepower in the Series I and 128 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque in the Series II. The previous car model was mated to a four-speed manual transmission system, while the later got a five-speed unit. In addition, the Series II car gets powerful brakes and 15-inch alloy wheels. Then the record for the highest speed of each series is 185 kph (Series I) and 193 kph (Series II).
The spiritual successor in modern interpretation of the Mazda Cosmo 21 is debuted at the 2002 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: Roadster)
Nearly two decades after the birth of the legendary Eunos Cosmo model, Mazda has decided to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the legend by embodying the idea of a spiritual successor in modern interpretation. And at one of the biggest annual automotive exhibitions in the world, the 2002 Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese manufacturer launched the Mazda Cosmo 21 for the first time.
2002 Mazda Cosmo 21's interior looks luxurious in a Cosmo's original two-tone black and white finish,
featuring upholstered seats, as well as lots of leather and suede. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
If you look closely, the concept car clearly inspired by the 1967 legendary roadster because of its retro-futuristic appearance is almost identical to the source of its inspiration. Then the Japanese manufacturer mentioned that the concept car is built based on the second generation of Mazda Miata model, and is powered by an engine taken from the Mazda RX8, namely a Renesis rotary engine capable of producing around 231 hp and 216 Nm of torque.
2002 Mazda Cosmo 21 is powered by a Renesis rotary engine capable of producing power around 231 hp and 216 Nm of torque. (Picture from: JapaneseNostalgicCar)
Then on the exterior appearance, the concept car also still faithfully emphasizes the classic side, but by displaying fewer chrome accents when compared to the source of its inspiration. We can see this on the door handle which is still displayed in chrome accents. For other design elements that are considered iconic design elements, such as the separate taillight design combined with the Miata NB's hardtop which is the only part of the donor car that has not changed.
2002 Mazda Cosmo 21 still faithfully emphasizes the classic and originality side with the separate taillight design such its inspiration source. (Picture from: Roadster)
Meanwhile for the interior, it still uses the donor car's property, but has been refurbished by using top-class materials. Appearance-wise, the interior of this concept car looks luxurious in a Cosmo's original two-tone black and white finish, featuring upholstered seats, as well as lots of leather and suede. Then there's the classically designed instrument cluster with the gauges that have been rearranged to look similar to those in the original Cosmo.
Although in the end the concept car was never get into the production line and left it as the vehicle for the company's study design, it could be that Mazda does not want to interfere the Miata model sales, which has now proven to be a popular compact roadster. However, with the widespread news that Mazda is working on its flagship sports car, it is possible that the Cosmo name can be resurrected for real this time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MAZDA | TOPSPEED | JAPANESE NOLTALGIC CAR | ROADSTER ]
Looking BackCovini Engineering is an Italian company should be worthy looking into as one of the world's wonderful car manufacturers. Most of you may know them for the Covini C6W, a six-wheeled, twin front axle supercar released back in the 2008.
1981 Covini B24 Turbocooler is the first Covini's prototype to test a new air-liquid intercooler as well as other technologies. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
But turn out their history is even cooler than that. Since 1978, the Ferrucio Covini founded company has been building crazy, unique even weird cars by highlighting their expertise in the diesel technology to be applied on the high performance cars. If you need several examples of just how cool Covini is, You could be seen the list below:
1. Covini B24 Turbocooler
The Piacenza-based company's very first prototype is named the Covini B24 Turbocooler aka 'Sirio' and introduced in 1981. It is a 4x4 mid-engined, turbo-diesel car with interchangeable body panels and as the name implies, that the car was built to test a new air-liquid intercooler as well as other technologies.
1981 Covini B24 Turbocooler is powered by a mid mounted turbo-diesel I4 that made around 127 hp of
power and capable brought it had run to a top speed of 205 kph. (Picture from: PetrolStop)
The car was powered by a mid mounted turbo-diesel I4 that made around 127 hp of power and capable brought it had run to a top speed of 205 kph, which reportedly made it touted as the first diesel vehicle to exceed 200 kph. Furthermore the B24 had ever go into the production line, albeit in limited numbers.
1981 Covini B24 Turbocooler is touted as the first diesel vehicle to exceed 200 kph. (Picture from: PetrolStop)
Of the numbers only 9 units delevered for the U.S. market. Many sources said that either some or all of the models sold in the United States were fitted by the 2.5 liter petrol engine taken from the Lancia Gamma and rebadged as the Covini B424.
2. Covini T40 Overboost The next car coming from the Italian manufacturer known as the Covini T40 Overboost aka 'Summit'. It was another Covini's diesel supercar introduced back in the 1985 and carrying the style as a four seater coupe.
1985 Covini T40 Overboost is powered by a turbo diesel 5 cylinder engine that made 165 kw (221 hp), and it had a top speed of 235 kph. (Picture from: WebCarStory)
The T40 was powered by a turbo diesel 5 cylinder engine that made 165 kw (221 hp), and it had a top speed of 235 kph. The T40 never saw production though, and remained a one off. Some sources say it was based on an earlier model called the T46.
3. Covini C36 Turbotronic
Like most of Covini’s cars, there is not much online information available about the Covini C36 Turbotronic but from what We have gathered, the car could be said the culmination of Covini’s diesel engined supercars.
1998 Covini C36 Turbotronic is powered by a 3.6 liter 6 cylinder turbo diesel engine that made 227 hp and about 320 nm of torque. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
The C36 Turbotronic debuted at the 1998 Turin International Auto Show and wore a composite body made of fiberglass and carbon fiber. It was powered by a 3.6 liter 6 cylinder turbo diesel engine that made 227 hp and about 320 nm of torque.
Many sources say the prototype reached a top speed of over 300 kph and was known as the first diesel car to break the 300 kph barrier, but it’s unclear whether that’s accurate. Like most of Covini’s cars, the C36 never made it into production and only one was ever made.
Until now, the Italian firm Covini still exists in the automotive world, by faithfully serving its customers who commissioned the famous Covini C6W with a price tag ranging of around $640 thousand or around Rp. 8.9 billion, and not includes bespoke ones. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COVINI.IT | CARTHROTTLE | PETROLSTOP ]
Head to the Future The world's car manufacturers are now more ready to welcome the future. This can be seen at least from the design of their very futuristic concept cars, some even have out of the box designs. This is in line with the growing trend of environmentally friendly vehicles, not only for small-sized vehicles, but also for heavy-duty vehicles such as the trucks.
The Innotruck is designed by Luigi Colani, and intended to serve as both a test bench and a demonstration vehicle for a number of emerging technologies. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
And some of them come as custom models, as shown in the design of a unique future truck called the Innotruck built in collaboration the Siemens, the German's global technology company with designer Luigi Colani, TU Munich (Munich Technical University) and Marchi Mobile. As reported by Autoevolution, the futuristic truck concept was launched for the first time in 2012 at the MobiliTec international trade show in Hannover, Germany.
The Innotruck posed along with Luigi Colani, and as you can see here, the front of the truck gives a unique access for the driver get into the cockpit by sliding its glass nose. (Picture from: Bubblemania.fr)
At that time, the truck design had attracted the attention of many pairs of eyes. Once realized, this truck does look very futuristic. As we could be seen an aerodynamics truck-trailer-designed with the eco-friendly drivetrain and the energy management is another major goal of it. The creation of the Innotruck is also claimed to be an important part in the development of research on digitalization and electrification.
The Innotruck is also claimed to be an important part in the development of research on digitalization and electrification. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Described as a "smart microgrid", the vehicle is capable of managing the energy flow not only from its battery, but also from on-board solar cells, wind turbines and regenerative brakes. It even has power outlets along its sides, so other vehicles can recharge when stationary and thus free up energy on the city grid. The point is to cut the inefficiencies of the existing system and could also be a mobile power plant for places where backup power is needed.
The front of the Innotruck has a unique design that resembles the nose of a fighter jet. (Picture from: Bubblemania.fr)
As quoted from Motor1, the Innotruck is claimed to be completely hand-built based on the Mercedes-Benz platform, and has a unique design on the front of the truck that resembles the nose of a fighter jet with the luxurious cabin. This is a truly unique and (potentially) revolutionary design that integrates the trailer as a component combined with the spaceship cockpit. The drive section rotates under the digital cockpit.
The Innotruck also provided a beautiful living room behind the cockpit that caters to the needs of truckers in long distances traveling. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Besides it looks futuristic, it has to be said, the almost entirely glass cockpit seems to provide exceptional sight lines to its driver. The car is integrated into the trailer section allowing the drivetrain to be placed under the drive independent of the trailer. Controls are in the cockpit reminiscent of a fighter jet with a large amount of glass allowing optimal visibility. This space is connected to a beautiful living room that caters to the needs of truckers in long distances traveling. To enter the cockpit area, the glass canopy opens and the driver enters.
The Innotruck has an almost entirely glass cockpit that seems to provide exceptional sight lines to its driver.(Picture from: Bubblemania.fr)
The cab is connected to the drivetrain via driveby wire technology allowing easy integration into the trailer. Power comes from an electric motor powered by a diesel engine which is converted into a range extender duty. This allows for the most efficient powertrain that can still provide the distance needed to transport goods over long distances. Besides having an eccentric design and a unique drivetrain, plus its large size makes it not legal yet to use on the European Union roads.
Only two unit of the Innotruck have ever been made, and for those interested in having one of them, it sold on the JamesEdition website back in the 2020, but doesn't say how much it cost (certainly has an expensive price tag). This truck concept can be used as a show car for various business needs and educational programs or simply as a unique collectible items.
Take A Ride Sooner or later electrification is believed to be a trend. Currently emerging new brands that make electric-powered vehicles, especially electric motorcycles. One of them is the Finnish brand, Verge Motorcycles, which is rumored to be launching the Verge TS, which is an electric sports motorbike. This motorcycle will compete in the high-performance electric motorcycle class with the Energica and Zero Motorcycles brands.
The Verge TS is an electric-powered sports motorbike introduced by the Finnish company Verge Motorcycles. (Picture from: Visordown)
As quoting from the Greatbiker page, the Verge TS had previously been introduced for the first time at the 2019 EICMA as the prototype in February 2019. It took 32 months for the company to officially launch its electric motorbike. As we know that the Verge TS is a rebranding and to be a new name for mass production of the previous motorcycle brand, RMK E2.
There are no detailed specifications regarding the battery. However, the manufacturer claims that this electric motor has a maximum power of 107 hp and an abundant torque of up to 1,000 Nm. The maximum speed is around 180 kph in under 4 seconds. When the battery is fully charged, the motorbike can cover a distance of 300 km, and 200 km for combined city and out-of-town road us.
The Verge TS is a rebranding and to be a new name for mass production of the previous motorcycle brand, RMK E2. (Picture from: RideApart)
In addition to the engine specifications, the Verge TS is interesting because it uses a hubless rear wheel. The rear wheel looks hollow so that it becomes a point more than the design side. Hub holes like this is actually not something new. However, motorcycle manufacturers who launch hubless are rare.
Teemu Saukkio is a designer who created a hubless rear wheel mechanism from his workshop, he developed a hubless rear wheel by attaching a hub mount to an E2 motor (at that time) which was claimed to run very fast.
The Verge TS has also been pinned with a premium rear suspension of the Ohlins brand monoshock and brake calipers from Brembo. (Picture from: Visordown)
The wheel mechanism seems to float without being supported by the spokes on the rim and of course futuristic. It is also mentioned that the hubless on the rear wheel is one of the factors that makes the motor have great acceleration. In addition, the Verge TS has also been pinned with a premium rear suspension of the Ohlins brand monoshock and brake calipers from Brembo.
The Verge TS is claimed has a maximum power of 107 hp and an abundant torque of up to 1,000 Nm. (Picture from: Electrec.co)
Meanwhile, for rear braking that uses a hubless wheel mechanism, it is impossible to install conventional brakes like an ordinary motorcycle. So, this futuristic style motorcycle uses a rear brake which they call a 'regenerative braking system'. Furthermore, for charging the battery, it is claimed to be faster because it has embedded the Fast Charging system which is their charging standard.
The Verge TS has a hubless rear wheel mechanism by attaching a hub mount on the motorcycle which was claimed to run very fast. (Picture from: Electrec.co)
The Finnish company claim the battery of the Verge TS can be fully charged in just 2 to 3 hours, while the battery capacity is still unknown. For performance on the road, the Verge TS electric motor is capable of producing 107 hp (80kW) and a maximum torque of 737 ft-lb. As for the range that can be achieved by the Verge TS is as far as 124 miles or 199 km for use on the highway and 186 miles or equivalent to 299 km in the city.
It is very impressive the distance that can be covered, for an electric motorbike that has a futuristic design and the use of unusual rear tires. With all the sophistication that is buried into this futuristic motorbike, Verge Motorcycles sells it for $27,713. Are you interested?
Hope Not Only Concept Recently, the Elektron Innovativ Technologien aka Elektron Motors has released pictures and also details about the hypercar that uses electric power dubbed the Elektron Quasar. The company mentions that the car is a follow-up to the first model concept, the Electron One, which was launched last year and also mentions that this car has better performance than its predecessor.
Elektron Quasar electric-powered hypercar will have four electric motors combined to produce an incredible 2,300 hp of power. (Picture from: Motor1)
The German startup company also says that the hypercar will have four electric motors combined to produce an incredible 2,300 hp of power. The power generated is said would be able to compete with the world's major brands that previously had produced similar electric hypercar products, such as Rimac C Two, Pininfarina Battista, and Lotus Evija.
Thus, this method will enable the emergence of a new technology, which the company calls the Electron Smart Torque Vectoring System (ESTV). This feature will be useful when the car is driving on a race track considering the power it produces is extraordinary, if you don't want to say it doesn't make sense.
Elektron Quasar electric-powered hypercarfeatures angular headlamps and includes LED daytime running lights that curve on the outer edge of the hood. (Picture from: Motor1)
Not only having the ferocity of the racing tracks, the Quasar car is also claimed to have a weight of 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg) only. The German startup also said that its hypercar is capable of reaching 62 mph (100 kph) from still in just 1.65 seconds, before touching a limited top speed at 280 mph (450 kph).
As You can be seen on the Quasar's released images shown that the car's overall design is heavily influenced by the Swedish hypercar Koenigsegg Jesko, and that's a good thing that Electron Motors did for a hypercar.
Elektron Quasar electric-powered hypercar is equipped with a digital meter cluster, a large infotainment screen
that is neatly integrated into the dashboard, and a display in front of
the passenger. (Picture from: Motor1)
While the front of the Quasar features angular headlamps and includes LED daytime running lights that curve on the outer edge of the hood. The car is also equipped with carbon fiber canards and a clear carbon fiber splitter.
Elsewhere, the car has a curved windshield and a roof design that's nearly identical to everything Koenigseggs has had over the past two decades. Koenigsegg's inspiration continues with the very similar engine cover, shark fin and rear wing.
Elektron Quasar electric-powered hypercarwill be launched in 2023 and built in limited numbers of 99 units. (Picture from: Elektron Motors)
What is unique about the Quasar is its interior which is equipped with a digital meter cluster, a large infotainment screen that is neatly integrated into the dashboard, and a display in front of the passengers. At the end, Electron Motors says the Quasar will be launched in 2023 and built in limited numbers of 99 units only and delivered to the buyer within three years.
As for another previously designed EV hypercar, the Elektron One, Armagan Arabul as CEO of Elektron Motors said the launch was not cancelled. But postponed. We'll hope these all electric hypercars could be realized and shown off as the plan. Now on, nothing could be done except we'll wait and see.😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELEKTRON MOTORS | CARSCOOPS || NEWSASIATODAYID.MOTOR1 ]
Unique ONES As the true automotive enthusiasts, of course, we like and want to have an exotic beauty car, but due to financial limitations or other reasons, sometimes we have to throw away the desire to own it.🤔
Understandably, the price of an exotic-beauty car is not cheap, most of them have a fantastic price tag. It's a shame if we then have to give up that desire without looking for other alternatives that may be in accordance with the financial capabilities we have.😁
The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car, an exotic-sleek car with gullwing-style doors. (Picture from: ClassicCars)
Then maybe you will ask whether there is such an alternative? Is it true, there's an exotic-beauty car that can be owned without having to dig deep into our pockets. Yes, on this occasion we will talk about it. Especially if those of you are a fan of unique vintage Volkswagen cars such the Volkswagen Beetle.
The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquilla Gullwing kit car shown here is the 137th production car, which still uses the original paint color combination of ivory and beige. (Picture from: ClassicCars)
Just take a look the car image above! Who would have thought that the car was started its life as the Volkswagen Beetle of 1963? Well, in the hands of FiberFab, a Cupertino, Californian-based automotive company, the car figure who is familiarly known as 'The Bug or among the Indonesian VW fans known as VW 'Kodok' or 'The Frog' can be transformed into an exotic-beautiful like a butterfly.🦋
The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car with its gullwing-style doors openned. (Picture from: ClassicCars)
The automotive company founded by Robert Mueller since 1964 had designed a kit car named Aquila Gullwing on the chassis of an exotic and exclusive BMW M1 in the 1980s. But then the kit could be assambled on the standard chassis of the VW Beetle to meet the demands of low-budget customers. And one of the results as you can see in the picture above, in a form of an exotic-sleek car with gullwing-style doors and without the trace of the VW Beetle at all.
The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car has brown colored interior. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Although the original kit car price is no longer in the archives but that is enough to say it must have been relatively affordable, considering that the donor cars were readily available (and inexpensive) at the time.
The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car is powered by a flat-four 1,200 cc engine which is only capable bursting the power of 40 hp only. (Picture from: Hemmings)
As quoted from the HeritagePartsCenter, the Californian company only made 150 cars wore the Aquila kit. And specifically for the vehicle shown here is the 137th production car, which still uses the original paint color combination of ivory and beige with brown interior.
The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car is one of only 150 cars ever built in the 1980s. (Picture from: ClassicCars)
If from its appearance that is able to give the perfect impression of a supercar. But on the other hand, if you look at the engine, all expectations about the supercar madness will be disappeared at once, because from its Volkswagen flat-four 1,200 cc engine which is only capable bursting the power of 40 hp only. So in terms of performance the car remains like a bug rather than a butterfly.
The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car remains a bug rather than a butterfly in terms of performance. (Picture from: ClassicCars)
So when you make a choice on a car like this, it seems that you have made the right choice, in addition to having a beautiful and exotic shape, it turns out that it's included into a type of scarce car and rarely seen by the public. Which is likely now and so on the price will soar to be expensive, the question is can you afford it now?
As qouted of the ClassicCars, this unique shaped car creation has been sold at price of $13,900 at the Mecum Auction back in the 2014. 😭 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FIBERFAB | HEMMINGS | HERITAGEPARTSCENTER | CLASSICCARS | MECUM ]
As we all know, the original Mazda Cosmo was a roadster powered by Mazda's famous rotary engine and was produced between 1967 and 1972. The first generation model was the Mazda's flagship in Japan which had two versions, namely L10A (Series I) and L10B (Series II).
Although in the end the concept car was never get into the production line and left it as the vehicle for the company's study design, it could be that Mazda does not want to interfere the Miata model sales, which has now proven to be a popular compact roadster. However, with the widespread news that Mazda is working on its flagship sports car, it is possible that the Cosmo name can be resurrected for real this time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MAZDA | TOPSPEED | JAPANESE NOLTALGIC CAR | ROADSTER ]
