Seasick The unique and unusual object shapes are usually used as the inspiration sources for automotive designers in designing motorized vehicles. But of the many forms, a vehicle with the boat-inspired design may rarely be made, but that's not made it has never been done. As you can be seen here in a concept car made by the Italian automotive giant back in the 1993 named the Fiat Scia Concept.
The Fiat Scia Concept is designed by John Kinsey and Darrin Caddes of Fiat Centro Stile in collaboration with Carrozzeria Maggiora as a try-out for the public of the upcoming barchetta (to be introduced 2 years later). . (Picture from: Fiat Barchetta)
The creation of the mentioned unique car stems from the successful event of a design competition held by Fiat in 1991 with the participant coming form several Italian well-known automotive design houses to remodel the appearance of a small Cinquecento (Fiat 500). And 2 years later, the Italian manufacturer again invited 9 automotive design houses including the Fiat's in-house studio to participate in similar event, in which now used the Fiat Punto 1st generation as the base model.
The Fiat Scia Concept is brought to life by Carrozzerria Maggiora under the direction of the Fiat Centro Stile to be presented for the first time at the 1994 Turin Auto Show. (Picture from: DrivenToWrite)
As the results, ranging from just plain ugly, the Giannini Punto 4x4 TL (Tempo Libero or Free Time), ridiculously six-wheeled weird vehicle, the Boneschi Doblone, or being simply forgettable concept of the Zagato Monomille, and many others. The most prominent of all design concepts at the time was the Fiat Scia Concept.
The Fiat Scia Concept's styling cues are shown to the unsuspecting audience, like the uprising mirrors, the three-dial dashboard and the cut-off windows. (Picture from: Fiat Barchetta)
In Italian, Scia translates as 'the wake of a boat', but the nautical theme also extends into the concept's unusual forms. Created within the Fiat Centro Stile by John Kinsey in collaboration with Carrozzeria Maggiora, with the body shaped like the hull of a yacht. A strong line flows around the car, splitting the upper half from the lower, which tucks dramatically underneath. A thin opening at the front creates a timeless face and hosts four tiny, round headlights while the long tapered rear deck suggests one you would find on a Riva yacht.
As a logical consequence of the roofless sportscar, so the Fiat Scia Concept's interior should be prepared to use waterproof materials. (Picture from: Fiat Barchetta)
On the empty deck, two pairs of taillights sit on each side of a dorsal fin, which runs along the centre of the car. Around the wheels, there's a little can be seen, only a dish, four holes, four inserts. They look good despite their simplicity but don't really seem to have been designed for the car (some said, it tends to weird and ugly). Finally, a cut-off wind deflector on top of the seed-like body dives into the doors to complete its ultimate barchetta ('little boat') look.
While in the Fiat Scia Concept's rear, there're two pairs of taillights sit on each side of a dorsal fin, which runs along the centre of the car. (Picture from: Fiat Barchetta)
The interior done by Darrin Caddes is very Spartan, with a simplistic dashboard only consisted by three gauges. The ultra-thin seats are fixed but the position could be adjusted by shifting the steering wheel and pedals to suit the driver, in addtion, as a logical consequence of the roofless sportscar, so the interior should be prepared to use waterproof materials.
This concept car was then brought to life by Carrozzerria Maggiora under the direction of the Fiat Centro Stile to be presented for the first time at the 1993 Turin Auto Show. The unique two-seater sports spyder still powered by the Fiat Punto's mechanical elements, and then aroused public curiosity and paved the clear way for the future Fiat barchetta which is launched 2 years later.
If You have spare time, don't forget to see the Bertone Barchetta an almost similar styled car as the Fiat Scia Concept, which is built based on the tiny Fiat Panda and is released in the 2007 to celebrate the coachbuilder company's 85th anniversary. We bet you got the same sensation in the Bertone-made roofless cutie car, as the Scia. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FIAT BARCHETTA | CARDESIGNNEWS | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | 2040-PARTS | DRIVENTOWRITE ]
~The Godzilla Ancestor~This is one of the first Japanese-made racing prototypes after the World War 2 ended. The racing car which became known as the Prince (Nissan) R380 was initially developed by Prince Motors, Ltd. before being merged with Nissan Motor Company, and it could be said also, that the car is the ancestor of today's Nissan Skyline GT-R aka 'Godzilla'.
The original Prince (Nissan) R380 A-I with racing livery No.11 driven by Yoshikazu Sunakothat won its first race of the 3rd Japan GP at Fuji Speedway in 1966. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
As mentioned before, this race car was purposely made by Prince Motors following the defeat of its new S54 Skyline GTs powered by a G-7 straight-6 engine at the second Japanese Grand Prix held in 1964 from the Porsche 904 race car. After some major improvements were made, so Prince Motors launched the R380 with increasingly fierce performance, as the result at the third Japanese GP in 1966, the car was able to beat the defending champion Porsche 904.
The original Prince (Nissan) R380 A-I is powered by a mid-mounted 4-valve GR8 DOHC engine, which is a newly engine designed based on the G7 OHC at the time. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
All of that thanks to the Shinichiro Sakurai's magical hands touches, so that the car was so fierce while on the racing circuit. He is a brilliant engineer who initially worked for Prince Motors then moved to Nissan in 1966 (after Prince Motors was mergered with Nissan Motor Company) and is famous for the engineering of the Nissan Skyline generations.
The 1967 Nissan R380 A-II (in pictured as a speed test car) which for the aerodynamic factors has a total of 80 mm more length than the standard ones with body cover made of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). (Picture from: Pen-Online)
The original R380 racing car bodywork is aluminum-made, and mounted on the steel tubular frame structure similar to the Brabham BT8, and then is powered by a mid-mounted 4-valve GR8 DOHC engine, which is a newly engine designed based on the G7 OHC. Besides being known as the first Japanese racing car to use an aluminum bodywork, the R380 was equipped with double wishbone suspension on all its 4 wheels which was the most advanced technology at that time.
The 1967 Nissan R380 A-II (in pictured as a speed test car) bodywork is aluminum-made, and mounted on the steel tubular frame structure similar to the Brabham BT8. (Picture from: Pen-Online)
Unfortunately, the Japanese Grand Prix in 1965 was postponed, so Prince Motors switched to make a speed record in the Yatabe test track by using those racing car in October. At that time, the prepared Prince R380 A-I was managed to set the best time that surpassed the international record in its fourth attemps. But the car's achievement was remained set to be a domestic record considering that the Yatabe test track had not been officially recognized by the FIA.
The 1967 Nissan R380 A-II (in pictured as a speed test car) has a simple cockpit and functionally laid out of the operating system and instruments. (Picture from: Pen-Online)
This does not necessarily reduce the determination of the Prince Motors's crews to bring their R380 to be a champion. Then, it was like the wish came true, the R380 managed to beat the Porsche 906 and Toyota 2000GT at the third Japan Grand Prix in 1966, not one but two R380s managed to reach the finish line as the 1st and 2nd winner.
The 1967 Nissan R380 A-II (in pictured as a speed test car) featured much needed aerodynamic improvements, utilizing a much lower and sleeker bodystyle copied from rivals Porsche plus the gullwing-style doors which hinged upward. (Picture from: Pen-Online)
The R380 continued to be developed even after Prince Motors merged with Nissan in August 1966, and becoming a Nissan R380 A-II upgraded type in 1967. Although it lost in the race to the Porsche 906 at the Japanese Grand Prix that year, the car tried again to set the speed records. At the time, the Nissan R380 A-II managed to set seven international records at the Yatabe track which have been officially recognized by the FIA.
It doesn't stop there, in addition to the Nissan R380 A-III type with improved engines continue to play an active role in the racing circuit, this Japanese manufacturer continues to develop the R380 racing cars using larger engines, such as the 5.5L on the Nissan R381 variant of the 1968 and then the 6L on the Nissan R382 variant of the 1969 which also brought victory to Nissan. And all of that played out until the Japanese auto company stopped racing under the prototype engines in 1970. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN-GLOBAL | PEN-ONLINE | WIKIPEDIA | DRIVETRIBE ]
Ball of the YearLotus Cars, a British car manufacturer has a long history and rich in a continuous range of forward-thinking concept cars which also had demonstrated the extensive capabilities of the Hethel-based manufacturer in all aspects of automotive engineering. One of them is the one-off Lotus M200 concept car, this unique car was first presented as a speedster version of the Lotus Elan M100 and debuted at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show which was later shown again at other major international auto exhibitions such as the 1992 Geneva Salon de l'Automobile aka Geneve Motor Show.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept is presented as a unique and distinctive two-seater Lotus that is sure to attract attention wherever it appears. (Picture from: FWD)
As we all know, that its predecessor, the Lotus Elan M100, also known as the Lotus' first front-wheel drive vehicle, had the structural strength of lightweight fiberglass attached to a steel-reinforced back chassis which was designed by Peter Stevens. The sportscar with its distinctive new body shape proved to be highly aerodynamically effective, and when it was unveiled at the 1989 London Motor Fair, it won important awards from the British Design Council and by 1992 more than 3,800 units had been built and sold.
The Lotus M200 speedster concept built based if such this 1991 Lotus M100 Elan. (Picture from: Klassiekerweb)
Meanwhile, the M200, which was initially offered as a speedster version of the M100, was designed by Julian Thompson, who is also known later as the Lotus Elise designer. At that time, this unique M200 speedster was predicted to be a true best seller with a design that presented the most attractive prospects with a simple airflow deflector instead of a real windshield, with the driver and passenger cockpits that were intentionally separated, then there's a large rear wing and fared-in headlight positions replacing the retractable style of the M100 production model.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept has a simple airflow deflector instead of a real windshield, with the driver
and passenger cockpits that were intentionally separated, a large rear wing and fared-in headlight positions replacing the retractable style of the M100 production model. (Picture from: Bonhams)
Julian Thompson designed this interesting little concept car as a niche "for true fans" but his original intention was "to show the Lotus' top brass how to move on from the Elan". The unique windshield inspiration comes from the design of the Formula 1 Ferrari 312B, and it's also mentioned that the M200's design also explores the use of larger wheels. It is known that the car project started in 1988-89 and does not appear to be finished after eighteen months of work.
In short, the Lotus M200 is built on the basis of a blue-colored Lotus Elan returned by customers. Had a few minor difficulties that were later fixed, when David Brisbourne designed its surprising interior and Russell Carr detailed the exterior treatments. Starting from the interior fabrics chosen from the "a lady's swimsuit" to the very hasty assembly that the results were far from satisfactory, and this was also recognized by Julian Thompson when he first saw the M200.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept has a stunning interior fabric chosen from the "a lady's swimsuit". (Picture from: Bonhams)
Upon completion, the car was later loaned by Lotus to the British Automobile Association (AA) as an attention-grabbing promotional and marketing showpiece, during the time, it suffered some indignity and began to deteriorate cosmetically. The Lotus M200 was eventually offered for sale by auction at Silverstone where it was bought by a Lotus dealer named Paul Matty.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept is powered by the same engine as the Lotus M100 Elan, which is a 1,588 cc double overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve engine. (Picture from: Bonhams)
Shortly after, the designer met and talked about the show car (reffered to his M200 speedster design) with Olav Glasius, a world-famous Lotus fan and collector who enjoys art very much as well. As a result, he managed to convince Glasius of the ingenuity and intelligence contained in the design of this concept car so that finally Olav Glasius willing to bring it from Paul Matty.
Then he commissioned Ken and Neil Myers in England to restore and repaint the car to its present state. And through the Myers' magic hand touches, they were able to finish it as a running car and registered legal to drive on the British roads. This unique car is powered by the same engine as the Lotus M100 Elan, which is a 1,588 cc double overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve engine.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept is equipped with the Lotus Active rear-steer, engine cam-profile technology (Lotus Variable Valve Actuation) and many others. (Picture from: Bonhams)
Now the car is presented as a unique and distinctive two-seater Lotus that is sure to attract attention wherever it appears and is introduced as the the M200 'Concept Vehicle', which is equipped with the Lotus Active rear-steer, engine cam-profile technology (Lotus Variable Valve Actuation) and many others. In its excellent condition the M200 has survived to this day as a beautifully presented and delightful product for its time, which can now be used legally on the streets.
As qouted of Bonhams, it was offered in the Bonhams Auction back in the 2012 with estimated price of £80,000 - £120,000. Wanna buy it Or might be you wanna see the similar kind of vehicle if it came out of the Italian Bull cage? Here's the one and the only, the Lamborghini Concept S. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUS | BONHAMS | FWD | ]
New American SuperBeast There is not a single automotive enthusiast in the world who does not know the American fast car called the Corvette. Well, this legendary American muscle car continues to be developed by its maker Chevrolet (one of the auto brands under the General Motors) to this day. And recently (on October 26, 2021) Chevrolet has launched the latest variant of the Corvette C8 generation to continue the Z06 badge performance tradition whose its history can be traced back to 1963.
The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants including an elegant coupe with removable roof panel (right), spyder with retractable hardtop (middle) the race track version (left) and all will be on sale start in 2023. (Picture from: Motor1)
The new Corvette C8 Z06 said as a full breakdown of the new American sports car, "The new Corvette defines an American supercar, it builds on the dynamics and design of the mid-engined Corvette signature to deliver pure track capability and world-class performance," said Mark Reuss, President of General Motors at the car debut event.
The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 Coupe versions with removable roof panel. (Picture from: Motor1)
There's very interesting thing, this new Corvette C8 seems to return to its original "feel" which uses a V8 naturally aspirated engine that is different from the previous Corvette variants. Why is that, because its LT6 coded engine no longer has supercharger like one pinned on the previous generation Corvette C7 Z06.
The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 Spyder versions with retractable hardtop. (Picture from: Motor1)
Furthermore, the latest Corvette Z06 engine also said has left the tradition of the American-style V8 engine with the adoption of several technologies from European supercar engines. It can be seen on its inniard components, where the LT6 engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft rather than a cross-plane like the previous LT2. For your information, the flat-plane crankshaft has a design like an in-line engine crankshaft, while the cross-plane design looks like a cross mark.
The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants seems to return to its original "feel" which uses the new V8 naturally aspirated LT6 engine. (Picture from: Motor1)
As quoted of MotorTrend, a V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft has more balanced combustion characteristics than a cross-plane. Thanks to balanced combustion, exhaust gases from the cylinders can be released more optimally and do not require a complicated exhaust system. In the Corvette Z06, the automaker provides the LT6's exhaust system with a 4-2-1 header to optimize performance.
The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants provided a few extra touches in the cockpit, primarily with carbon-fiber trim packages and also another new interior trim options. (Picture from: Motor1)
In addition to optimal the exhaust system, the flat-plane V8 engine has lighter components so it doesn't require large counterweights. This means, the engine can spin faster and able to achieve a higher engine speed from the cross-plane ones. In order to support its high speed rotation, flat-plane V8 engines are generally provided with the Dual-Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) system.
The
new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants provided the larger 6-piston calipers brake system, new 20-inch front and
21-inch rear rims wraped with standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires. (Picture from: Motor1)
Furthermore, the new Corvette C8 Z06 specification data states that its 5,500 cc LT6 engine capable spewing peak power of 680 hp @ 8,400 rpm and 623 Nm of torque @ 6,300 rpm. So no wonder then the American manufacturer also claimed that the LT6 engine was the most powerful V8 naturally aspirated engine ever made.
The
new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants also equipped with an
advanced suspension technology called Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which
actively adapts the shock absorber to driving conditions. (Picture from: Motor1)
When compared to the LT2 engine, the LT6 produces 7 Nm less torque but 183 hp more power and able to spin up to 8,600 rpm. Those engine power and torque are sent to the rear wheels through the Tremec's 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
Considering that the newest C8 Z06 variant is designed to have good track performance, Chevrolet embeds an advanced suspension technology called Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which actively adapts the shock absorber to driving conditions. This suspension relies on a fluid that interacts with a magnet to adjust the shock absorber's hardness level dynamically.
The
new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 production will begin in the summer of 2022, but unfortonately there's no official pricing info available for all these new variants. (Picture from: Motor1)
In addition to the Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, the
automaker has also equipped the new Z06 with changes to other elements
such as larger 6-piston calipers brake system, new 20-inch front and
21-inch rear rims wraped with standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires.
So it can be ascertained that this new Corvette Z06 variant can run
steadily on the roads or circuits.
As you can see of the circulated pictures on internet, the new Corvette C8 Z06 are available in several standard configurations, as an elegant coupe with removable roof panel, spyder with retractable hardtop (as revealed in the video above) and the race track car versions. The new Z06 production will begin in the summer of 2022, but unfortonately there's no official pricing info available for all these new Corvette variants (it will be announced closer to its on-sale date).😯 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CHEVROLET | MOTOR1 | CARANDDRIVER | MOTORTREND ]
Finally..... After only producing single-seater and sports car racing engines since 1972, the world's racing lovers certainly know the figure of Dallara Automobili. They are the rulers of Formula 3 and the sole supplier of the American IndyCar arena, the Super Formula Japan, up to F2 racing events.
Dallara also became one of the LMP2's four official constructors, whose raced with the Dallara P217. In the IMSA arena, Cadillac DPi-V.R built based on Dallara P217 is always dominates the race sessions and is almost unbeatable.
As a vendor, Dallara's reputation is also indisputable. In the sports car racetrack, these constructor company founded by Giampaolo Dallara is involved in manufacturing of Lancia LC1 and LC2, Ferrari 333 SP, Toyota GT-One, Chrysler LMP1 and various generations of Audi LMP1. Their latest project is BR1 LMP1 performed at the 2018/2019 FIA World Endurance Championship.
BR1 LMP1, made by Dallara based on BR Engineering order. (Picture from: Autography.co)
Left side view of All-new Dallara Stradale. (Picture from: Modifikasi)
With so many experience they've done before and finally Dallara "ventured" to produce their first own road legal car called Dallara Stradale. "This project is the culmination of all the knowledge we get in the racecourse, as well as collaboration with customers," explained Giampaolo Dallara, president of Dallara Automobili. "I was though of Colin Chapman, how he made Lotus Seven with all its simplicity."
Rear view of All-new Dallara Stradale. (Picture from: Autography.co)
The simplicity of Dallara Stradale could be seen at the two-seater car figure concept that comes without a windshield and door like a single-seater racing car. The design was very Italian with lightweight body that is only 855 kg. This can be obtained because this car is made by Dallara by using monocoque chassis and body panels made of carbon fiber composite materials.
All-new Dallara Stradale variants you can choose. (Picture from: Autography.co)
For the engine, this car uses a unit of 4-cylinder turbo engine with a capacity of 2.3 liters placed in the middle, with a maximum power of 400 hp. Although it sounds small, but the existence of a lightweight chassis capable of making the acceleration 0-100 km/h was recorded in 3.25 seconds and reach top speed of 280 km/hour.
All-new Dallara Stradale coupe variant with gull-wing door type. (Picture from: Autography.co)
Sound simple? This is because Dallara does not target the statistic achievement. Later acceleration of more than 2G is guaranteed to bring a driving sensation that you will not get in any sports car. Not to forget the biggest downforce among GT cars in the figures of 820 kg at the maximum speed.
Available in several configurations, the standard as mentioned above, roadster with additional windshield and T-frame targa given. Also available is a pair of gull-wing type doors on coupe version. For track day car, its consumers can also order to install the rear wing. But unfortonately there's no official pricing info available for this car. *** [EKA[30072018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DALLARA | TOP GEAR]
The Most ONES Now, We're back to Porsche again. The Porsche 918 Spyder might be the car with the best technological achievements ever built by Porsche to date. Even so, long before the 918 Spyder was invented, this German manufacturer apparently had created a supercar concept that also carried the high technology of its day.
1986 Porshe 959 Komfort said to be the most advanced car of the 1980s. (Picture from: RMSothebys)
The car is a Porsche 959, and it was known as one of the high-tech supercars that were successfully created by Porsche AG in 1986. The car was originally named Gruppe B because it was planned to be used as a racing car at the Group B rally, and began construction in 1981. However, when the prototype was completed in 1987, it turned out that the Group B rally had been disbanded in 1986.
1986 Porshe 959 Komfort is equipped with a 2,847 cc twin-turbocharged V6 engine coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
This car was used for researchbefore it was decided to be produced. The Stuttgart-based premium car manufacturer produced this supercar model in a limited number, which was only 337 units (including 37 prototypes and preproduction models) between 1986 and 1989.
This car is produced in two versions, namely Sport and Komfort, where the Sport version is a car made specifically for racing purposes while the Komfort is the legal road version. Because of the high demand for this car, in 1992 and 1993, Porsche made eight more 959 cars, which were built from parts in Zuffenhausen.
1986 Porshe 959 Komfort is capable of accelerating from rest to a speed of 100 kph in 3.7 seconds, while the maximum speed achieved was 336 kph. (Picture from: RMSothebys)
The Porsche 959 is equipped with a 2,847 cc twin-turbocharged V6 engine coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission system. The machine is capable of spewing power output of up to 530 horsepower. Armed with its wild engine power, the Porsche 959 is capable of accelerating from rest to a speed of 100 kph in 3.7 seconds, while the maximum speed achieved was 336 kph. A pretty impressive performance, isn't?
As for achievements, this car is very well known in the racing world because it is probably the only sports car that has ever won the Dakar Rally and 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was also recorded as the holder of the highest top speed record (197 mph) before being taken over by the Ferrari F40.
This supercar is reportedly never officially imported into the United States or other countries so that it is a fairly rare car. The difficulty of finding the existence of this sophisticated supercar also had contributed to making the selling pricesof the used Porsche 959 cars in exorbitant. *** [EKA[15032020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RM SOTHEBYS | MOTOR1 | AUTOEVOLUTION ]
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If You have spare time, don't forget to see the Bertone Barchetta an almost similar styled car as the Fiat Scia Concept, which is built based on the tiny Fiat Panda and is released in the 2007 to celebrate the coachbuilder company's 85th anniversary. We bet you got the same sensation in the Bertone-made roofless cutie car, as the Scia. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FIAT BARCHETTA | CARDESIGNNEWS | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | 2040-PARTS | DRIVENTOWRITE ]
