The world's most expensive modified Harley Davidson motorcycle

BlueONE In the world's automotive, the word of modification is certainly like the word used daily. Modification is a thing that is very popular with automotive lovers, besides giving a cool impression on the vehicle we have, the modified vehicle is also able to make other people amaze.

Harley Davidson-Blue Edition by Bucherer 1888 dubbed as the world's most expensive modified motorcycle. (Picture from: Bucherer)

One of the motorcycle builders from Switzerland named Bündnerbike who collaborated with Bucherer (the famous Swiss watchmaker and jewelery specialist) had been modified the Harley Davidson Softail Slim S motorcycle.

What makes this motorcycle amazing is the price of the modified motorcycle that surpasses the price of the motorcycle itself! Just imagine, to modify this HD motorcycle, they spend up to US. $1.8 million or around Rp.25 billion.

Front three quarter view of Harley Davidson-Blue Edition by Bucherer 1888. (Picture from: Bucherer)

As we all knew that the HD motorbike alone in standard condition is already quite expensive, then coupled with cool modifications.

It can be ascertained that the motorcycle will appear very elegant plus an expensive sold prices as well.

Engine view of Harley Davidson-Blue Edition by Bucherer 1888. (Picture from: Ifitshipithere)

The modified Harley motorcycle was named Harley Davidson-Blue Edition. Unfortunately, many automotive observers say that these motorbikes are not suitable run on the streets and more suitable to be a millionaire's display items.

To make this one-off motorcycle, a team of eight people spent a total of 2,500 hours or approx 3 months. Because the details attached on this motorbike have a high standard of workmanship and added with a diamond sprinkling on each side.

Right side view of Harley Davidson-Blue Edition by Bucherer 1888. (Picture from: Bucherer)

The engine is lit from within by heat-resistant LEDs, giving a glittering view of the gold-plated throttle valves. But the craziest feature of all is visible from the cowhide saddle as you look down on the fuel tank. There are around 360 diamonds embedded on these motorcycle, even the bolts and some types of screws are also 24K gold plated.

Rear three quarter view of Harley Davidson-Blue Edition by Bucherer 1888. (Picture from: Bucherer)

So it is natural, if there are those who argue that this motorcycle is more suitable for display only than used on the streets, not to mention the risk of these motorbikes being targeted by criminals or other dangerous risks.

Just for info, previous title holder of the most expensive motorcycle ever made was 1951 Vincent Black Lighting which was able to sell at prices of US $929,000 at the auction conducted at Bonhams in Las Vegas. Despite having exorbitant prices, these motorbikes can still be used on the streets. (Click here, if you wanna see another expensive motorcycles.) Are you want to bring these $1.8 million motorcycle to be one of your display items in the living room?

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops.... *** [EKA [18082018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUCHERER | TELEGRAPH]

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Here's an almost successful supercar of the 1990s

Seen Nothing Speaking about the supercars that on average are already exotic since in the concept stages so that they are always able to attract public attention, however, many of them after finished to be produced are not successful in the market. Why can't the supercars like that be able to achieve any success as expected?

Cizeta V16T supercar concept appeared for the first time in the December 1988 may look very successful. (Picture from: Dyler)

There are many factors that influence it, one of them such as product is not able to provide a profitable prices to compete with other manufacturers, and more it could be worsened if the car brand is not well known. It seems that something like that happened to the Cizeta Automobili made supercar called the Cizeta V16T.

Although on paper the Cizeta-made supercar concept appeared for the first time in the December 1988 may look very successful, let alone made by people who are experienced in building the exotic supercars, in reality it is lack of success and not able to provide financial benefits to the automaker.

Cizeta V16T supercar is built by Cizeta Automobili, the Italian automotive manufacturer based in Modena and designed by Marcello Gandini. (Picture from: Dyler)

As we know that the Italian automotive manufacturer based in Modena was founded in the late 1980s by Claudio Zampolli, an Italian automotive engineer who was once involved in the creation of the Lamborghini Countach back in the 1970s in partnership with Giorgio Moroder, an Italian producer and singer. Even the company's name derived of the company founder's initials in the Italian pronunciation (CZ or Ci Zeta).

Cizeta V16T has a resemblance to the Lamborghini Diablo, due to previously in 1987 the designer ever submitted such design proposal to Lamborghini and unable to convince the owner of the Raging Bull cages at that time, Chrysler. (Picture from: Pistonheads)

Back in the 1980s, Giorgio Moroder offered Claudio Zampolli to help develop an ambitious supercar project through his entire career. He also known had enough money and was among the right people to promote the car later. Basically, Claudio Zampolli has got everything for his ambitious supercar project after signing a partnership with Giorgio Moroder, reportedly he even reached the famous Hollywood actor like Sylvester Stallone about the promotion of Cizeta.

Cizeta V16T supercar is debuted at the 1989 Los Angeles Motor Show, and after receiving a few positive response with seven serious clients leaving security deposits. (Picture from: Dyler)

The Cizeta-Moroder V16T, or Cizeta V16T (due to Giorgio Moroder has resigned) widely known as  the only production version supercar models ever made by the Modena-based manufacturer. And for the bodywork design was done by Marcello Gandini, an Italian famous car designer who had designed the Lamborghini Miura and Countach.

At the time, the Cizeta V16T has the selling price is more expensive (almost two times than the Diablo). (Picture from: Dyler)

Of the car looks, it could be seen that the Cizeta-made supercar design has a resemblance to the Lamborghini Diablo. It makes a sense, because previously in 1987 the designer ever submitted such design proposal to Lamborghini for the Diablo, but unfortunately the idea about how the Diablo prototype should be seen unable to convince the owner of the Raging Bull cages at that time, Chrysler. Instead, these sketches fell into Claudio Zampolli’s hands, and then makes it looks like the Cizeta V16T today. 

Cizeta V16T is powered by a 16-cylinder engine is formed from two V8 were combined with one crank and has eight camshafts. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

Furthermore, what makes the Cizeta-made supercar is different from other supercars at the time, as the name implies the V16T, the supercar is powered by a 16-cylinder engine is formed from two V8 were combined with one crank and has eight camshafts, then the 6.0-liter engine is installed transversely next to rear axle.

The engine capable generated the power of 540 hp (these numbers claimed 60 hp more than iconic Ferrari F40, and ever said faster than the Diablo) and 540 Nm of torque. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through the 5-speed mechanical gearbox. It was promised that this car would be able to reach 100 kph in four seconds and the top speed of 328 kph.

Reportedly, the Cizeta V16T did not meet the US safety and pollution standards then led to a lack of orders for the supercar, so in 1995 the automaker decided to cease production with only 12 units ever made. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

The Cizeta-made supercar is debuted at the 1989 Los Angeles Motor Show, and after receiving a few positive response with seven serious clients leaving security deposits, then the car production began in 1991, which went head-to-head with its indirect descendant, of the raging bull cages, the Diablo. 

It is recognized that the Cizeta V16T has several advantages in power and performance sides compared to the rivals such as the Diablo, but in the other hand it also has the disadvantage that the selling price is more expensive (almost two times than the Diablo) plus the Cizeta brand prestige at the time was not as good as the Lamborghini.

Cizeta V16T was promised that it would be able to reach 100 kph in four seconds and the top speed of 328 kph. (Picture from: Dyler)

As if Cizeta's suffering wasn't enough, it was later reported that this car did not meet the US safety and pollution standards. This then led to a lack of orders for the supercar, so in 1995 the automaker decided to cease production, although the founder was still ambitious to revive the project until it finally disappeared. As qouted of the Dyler, up until 1995, there were 12 cars made in total.

The Cizeta story doesn't stop here, because it turns out that production was resumed in 2006. Right now, you can really get the entirely new Cizeta V16T as long as you can prepare a large amount of money with the estimated sums reaches of $650 thousand for the coupe-style and $850 thousand for the spyder version. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CIZETAAUTOMOBILE | DYLER | CARBUZZ ]

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When Mazda reminisces with its legendary Cosmo classic car

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 ]

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Mysterious Covini's diesel-powered supercars

Looking Back Covini 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 ]

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The futuristic biodynamic shaped truck by Luigi Colani

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.

Besides the Innotruck, it turns out that the late Luigi Colani has also worked on several other truck designs in collaboration with many parties, ranging from automotive companies and other related institutions, as you can see here. Or You could be also seen another Colani's creation such Ferrari Testa D'oro from 1992.  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COLANI | JAMESEDITION | LUXURYAUTOCOLECTION | HOTCARS | MOTOR1 | BUBBLEMANIA | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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An awesome performance of the Verge TS electric-motorcycle

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?

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops..... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VERGE MOTORCYCLES | VISORDOWN | ELECTREC.CO | RIDESAPART ]

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