Charity Model We used to talk about a three-wheeled vehicle powered by a Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine named Merlin Roadster some time ago. And maybe some of you know an internationally celebrated automotive designer and enthusiast named Barry Watkins who once took part in the effort to revive one of the Italian brands, Bizzarrini through the launch of a super sports called Bizzarrini BZ-2001 back in 1993.
The first appearance of Sundolous SportStar when debuted in 2006. (Picture from: Kneeslider)
Well, now we will discuss about similar kind of super sports once again, but this one is rather diffirent with the appearance such the real unique sports car and is powered by two V-twin Harley-Davidson engines developed by Barry Watkins and his team consisting of automotive builders and fabricators.
The first appearance of Sundolous SportStar powered by a unique rear-mounted air-cooled 88 CI 2 HD' engines mated to a Corvette transaxle. (Picture from: Kneeslider)
In 2000, when Barry Watkins wanted to build an exotic sports car prototype would use as a fundraising tool for charitable contributions. As the result, here's the sports car named SportStar or SHADO Prototype. Besides having a weird design, the car is initially powered by a unique rear-mounted air-cooled 88 CI engine, which is a special-built engine from two Harley-Davidson V-twin engines mated to a Corvette transaxle.
This is an in house-built engine taken from two Harley-Davidson's V-twin engines whose pinned previously in the Sundolous SportStar. (Picture from: Kneeslider)
Those unique engine was the Barry Watkins's original idea, ie an in house-built engine taken from two Harley-Davidson's V-twin engines. That's right, not one Harley's V-twin engine but two V-twins combined in such a way that it becomes one engine.
The Sundolous SportStar or SHADO Prototype sat on display at the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Picture from: MuseumofAmericanSpeed)
This unique sports car made its official debut in 2006. Subsequently in 2010, the car was rebuilt by upgrading composite chassis and body, swapping drivetrain with an S-7 Corvette 427 CI engine which is said to be capable of pumping power up to 555 hp and mated to a Ricardo Ford GT 6-speed transmission operated by electronic paddle shifters.
The
Sundolous SportStar or SHADO Prototype is powered by an S-7 Corvette
427 CI engine mated to a Ricardo Ford GT 6-speed transmission operated
by electronic paddle shifters after overhauled in 2010. (Picture from: MuseumofAmericanSpeed)
There you are SportStar, a unique sports car whose body is now dominated by black, and has many chromed touches ranging of the wheels, roll bar, windshield frame (comes from 1953 Corvette), headlight bezel, grille and rear wing support. When viewed from its posture which has an overall length of about 13 feet with a width of 84 inches, then this car is claimed capable of producing extraordinary cornering stability.
The Sundolous SportStar or SHADO Prototype has two racing bucket seats and featured with the dash full of modern racing-looks instrument panels. (Picture from: MuseumofAmericanSpeed)
Relates to side script ‘Sundoulos’ represents Watkins' company, Sundoulos World Motorsports whose mission is committed to charity and fundraising works. Sundoulos derives its name from the Greek word for "servant," synonymous with religious or spiritual servitude.
Regarding its existence today, as quoted from MuseumofAmericanSpeed, this SportStar has become part of the collection of the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska after being donated by Barry Watkin. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MUSEUMOFAMERICANSPEED | AUTOWEEK | KNEESLIDER | HOMECARMAG ]
WeirdONESToyota
in its work in the world of the automotive industry as one of the
largest manufacturers in the world, actually has produced many motor
vehicles. Well, among
the many vehicles made by The Japanese auto-giant, there are also many
unique and strangely shaped motor vehicles which sometimes makes us
frown while asking ourselves, 'how can the big-company like Toyota make such strange vehicle?'
This weird shaped car called the Toyota POD Concept was made by Toyota in early of 2000s. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas Mixed by: Eka)
That thing spontaneous crossed our minds when seen these two unique four-wheeled vehicles of Toyota in the status of Quirky Rides on Twitter
some time ago. Uniquely, these two vehicles were made by Toyota in
early of 2000s. Initially, we've had thought that the Japanese
manufacturer engineers might be experienced déjà vu or even brain cramps
when making those vehicles (Ups, sorry).💨 Before you feel more curious
about those vehicles, come on let's see below!
This weird shaped car called the Toyota POD Concept is built by Toyota in collaboration with the compatriot electronics company Sony and is introduced first in the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas)
Previously we had discussed the Toyota WiLL VI and the next weird-shaped car called the Toyota POD Concept (might be some of you seen it like a toaster). It is a future concept car was built by Toyota in collaboration with the compatriot electronics company Sony
and is featured with an artificial intelligence system that makes it
appear more personal. By such artificial intelligence system as if could
be made the Toyota POD seem alive.
This Toyota POD Concept is featured with an artificial intelligence system that makes it
appear more personal. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas)
How
can, there many advanced features inside the car, such the screen with
various displays generated by Sony-software, so it can create shopping
lists, play music and radio. Even the car can also judge the attitudes
and moods of drivers based on their reactions and how they drive, also
can offer suggestions on how to improve their mood at the time.
This Toyota POD Concept features a hands only 'drive-by-wire' control system enabling steering, braking and acceleration to be operated through a single controller. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas)
Besides
that, the seats inside the car's cabin are made in such a way as a high-cozy seat
that can be rotated freely. While on the exterior, the Toyota
POD Concept can express its own feelings by colored LEDs (red as angry,
yellow as happy, blue as sad) as well as antennae and which can be
wagged, like a dog's tail.
The Toyota POD Concept's cabin are made in such a way as a high-cozy seat that can be rotated freely. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas)
The car also features a hands only 'drive-by-wire' control system enabling steering, braking and acceleration to be operated through a single controller. However, the automaker did not provide any information about the drivetrain and other related technical data, we assumed the POD concept car is driven by an electric motor.
Modern Styles Still discussing the work of the Italian coachbuilder company, Gruppo Stola. This time what will be discussed is a sports car concept that was built by the Turin-based coachbuilder in 2000 named Stola S81 is mentioned as a modern interpretation of the legendary Lancia Stratos from its creator Marcello Gandini.
2000 Stola S81 is designed by Marcello Gandini and built by Gruppo Stola as the modern intepretation of the legendary Lancia Stratos. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Gruppo Stola's relationship with the designer Marcello Gandini had begun in the late 1980s with the development of the Bugatti EB110. In 1996 Stola decided to start producing concept cars to promote its skills; four years later to shown off at the the 2001 Turin Motor Show.
2000 Stola S81 is nothing more than a full-scale model without an engine, although is set to carry a mid-mounted V8 Maserati's engine capable of producing power of 370 hp. (Picture from: Motor1)
As quoted of Motor1, this concept car was designed by the same Gandini and painted in a flashy orange hue as a nod to the Lancia HF Prototype from 1971. Indeed, it's a rare opportunity in the automotive industry when a very popular car designer like Marcello Gandini is asked to revamp his previous works such as the Lancia Stratos so that it feels quite special and looks more modern in the Stola S81 figure.
2000 Stola S81 is a two-seater sports car which has been equipped with modern security features. (Picture from: Motor1)
As mentioned above, the Turin-based coachbuilder company unveiled the concept car at the 2001 Turin Motor Show, about 28 years since the original Lancia Stratos' debut, as we all know went on to become one of the most successful race cars ever. While the "S81" in its name refers to the 81st anniversary of Alfredo Stola's workshop founded in 1919.
2000 Stola S81's inside featured with modern layout cabin and dashboard full with advance instrument panels. (Picture from: Motor1)
The concept also was launched a decade before the Ferrari 430 Scuderia-based New Stratos, and in fact the Stola S81 is nothing more than a full-scale model without an engine. As such, there are no plans to come out with a production version, although the concept is reportedly set to carry a mid-mounted V8 Maserati's engine capable of producing power of 370 hp.
2000 Stola S81 is a good tribute to one of the most fabled nameplates in the world's rally scene. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
This full-scaled S81 car model is made of an epoxy resin that can be molded in such a way that it becomes the figure of the familiar wedge designed car that put the Lancia in the halls of fame. It is also mentioned that the concept is a good tribute to one of the most fabled nameplates in the world's rally scene.
The S81 concept featured with the same proportions as its source of inspiration, and the modern look on the Stratos is still visible almost two decades later, thanks in part to the wraparound windshield and funky wheels. Other than that, the S81 is simply a reboot as it incorporates several features that take the concept away from Lancia's masterpieces, such as boomerang-shaped LED headlights and a continuous light strip at the rear.
Almost Forgotten - Among the many sports car models made by Ferrari, it turns out that there is one name of its sportscar model that has a beautiful wedge style typical of the 1970s, but is now almost forgotten.
1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina first unveiled at the 1968 Turin Auto Show. (Picture from: WheelsAge.org)
The mentioned car named the Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale designed by Pininfarina and first unveiled at the 1968 Turin Auto Show. This Pininfarina designed car was inspired by the Berlinetta Boxer and the 308/328 series and was originally made as a model without an engine.
1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina posed along with its designer Leonardo Fioravanti and the inspiration sources Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. (Picture from: WheelsAge.org)
The car design with tapered lines were drawn by Leonardo Fioravanti to explore the idea of a road car that would carry Maranello’s legendary V12 behind the cockpit rather than the front, as some successful contemporary models such as the Lamborghini Miura and the De Tomaso Mangusta, as well as their heiresses Countach and Pantera, the Maserati Bora, etc.
1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina is the first Maranello's model carries a mid-mounted V12 engine. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Only the rear section looks less harmonious than the rest of the car, due to the stubby tail, recessed headlights in the lower section, and the massive upper section, which luckily has been significantly redesigned in the transition to future cars from series.
1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina is powered by a 2,989 cc V12 engine capable of spewing out around 400 hp. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
As a consequence, the sparkling white colored car with a conservative design and exudes an elegant image of a future sports vehicle then given a 2,989 cc V12 engine capable of spewing out around 400 hp.
1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina used as the basis for the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 which was launched in 1971. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
Unlike other models and prototypes marked with the letter P, the P6 Berlinetta Speciale (that was its full name) was for all intents and purposes a production car. Unfortunately, it is not having obtained the green light for the next stage, the Berlinetta Speciale P6 was temporarily put aside.😔
Later the design of the P6 Berlinetta Speciale was used as the basis for the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 which was first launched in 1971. The car was also powered by a mid-mounted 60° V12 engine, and its prototype was built on the chassis of the rolling Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale Pininfarina concept. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTA5P.EU | SUPERCARS.NET | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI ]
Tiny & Unique Indeed, Gruppo Stola as an Italian coachbuilder company does not have a name as famous as its compatriots such as Pininfarina, Zagato and others. However, when viewed from the works, it is not inferior to those famous coachbuilders.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept is built as one-off sportscar concept by Gruppo Stola, and was designed by retired Pininfarina designer Aldo Brovarone. (Picture from: UltimateCarPages)
Well, in the 1990s, Stola had launched several interesting concept vehicle designs. One of them have also been discussed before here, such as the Fiat Dedica, a custom-made Fiat Barchetta of 1996 dedicated for a former those Italian giant automaker boss, Giovanni Agnelli.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept's retro-styled body is made completely of composite
materials, clearly displaying Stola's capability of handling this exotic
material. (Picture from: UltimateCarPages)
And two years after those custom made Fiat Barchetta launched, the Turin-based coachbuilder company is launched one-off sportscar concept named the Abarth Monotipo Concept and was intended to showcase Stola's craftsmanship rather than to be a fashion statement.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept has unique upwards swinged doors at the touch of a hidden switch. (Picture from: UltimateCarPages)
Like the 1996 Dedica, the Abarth Monotipo was designed by retired Pininfarina designer Aldo Brovarone, a close friend of Stola managing-director Alfredo Stola.
The car has unique upwards swinged doors at the touch of a hidden
switch, while the roof comprises of a long, sweeping aerospace-developed
Plexiglass roof panel.Fiat's close relationship with Stola allowed them to licence the "Abarth" tag, and also pinned its traditional 'scorpion' badges at the front and rear.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept also has unique the roof comprises of a long, sweeping aerospace-developed Plexiglass roof panel. (Picture from: ItaliaSpeed)
The interestingly retro-styled body is made completely of composite
materials, clearly displaying Stola's capability of handling this exotic
material. Even more impressive is the perfect finish of the bodypanels.
All transparent parts are not made of glass but of Isoclima
Polycarbonate, which is also used in the aerospace industry, so no wonder if the Abarth Monotipo weighted just 880 kilos.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept is powered by slightly tuned four-cylinder turbo 2,0-liter engine of Lancia Delta Integrale. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
While the drivetrain mounted on the slightly stretched Barchetta chassis is a four-cylinder turbo 2,0-liter engine, the same one that used by the Lancia Delta Integrale. Slightly tuned, it is good for a decent 330 hp at 6,500 rpm coupled with 5-speed manual transmission system.
Those engine power then transferred to the front axle. It was able to do acceleration from zero to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 290 kph, and to tame those high speeds, so the Monotipo is fitted with the same vented Brembo discs as found on the Ferrari F50.
Wheeled Lounge The electric vehicles are growing to be much glimmer, it could be seen by many EVs developed by the world's automotive companies today. And recently the South Korean automaker Hyundai has revealed a teaser of the Hyundai SEVEN concept electric car technology that will be introduced in the near future.
The Hyundai SEVEN electric powered MPV concept is debuted at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show event. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
As reported by Auto Express, the SEVEN concept car as a full-size electric SUV hinting at future EV offeringsis introduced on November 17, 2021 by the South Korean automaker at the Los Angeles Auto Show held on November 17 to 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, United States.
A part of the Hyundai SEVEN concept's front fascia have pixel-shaped headlights and DRLs. (Picture from: AutoExpress)
As for the exterior, Hyundai revealed the SEVEN concept car will have
pixel-shaped headlights and DRLs. As for the look of the fascia, it
appears that this car takes a few elements from the recent launched
Hyundai Staria design language. While, The rear features a glass
partition with a illuminated Hyundai logo and a full-width LED taillight
bar, which matches the similar treatment on the front.
The Hyundai SEVEN electric powered MPV concept is equiped with the pillarless sliding doors, which will show a very spacious cabin like a lounge. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
This concept car also has a fairly large wheelbase, which is around
126.0 inches and allows for a completely flat floor inside the cabin.
Hyundai even pushed the car's wheels out as far as it could in an
attempt to expand the platform.
A part of interior of the Hyundai SEVEN concept have materials and designs that are identical to home furniture. (Picture from: AutoExpress)
Furthermore the automaker said that the electric car is unique, where it
will be equiped with the pillarless sliding doors, which will show a
very spacious cabin like a lounge. Besides, this car's interior will
have materials and designs that are identical to home furniture. For
example, the captain's seat is similar to a chair from the future, a
cloth sofa complete with pillows, and the use of wood material on
several sides.
A part of interior of the Hyundai SEVEN concept's captain's seat is similar to a chair from the future, a cloth sofa complete with pillows, and the use of wood material on several sides. (Picture from: AutoExpress)
The SEVEN Concept is said to use an 800-volt drivetrain architecture that is supported by 350 kilowatt fast charging capabilities. It's mean that the Hyundai's concept car can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in just 10 minutes, with a targeted electric range of over 300 miles (483 kilometers). Regarding the technical data is still kept secret, but the SEVEN electric car would be certainly use the E-GMP platform owned by the South Korean automaker.
The Hyundai SEVEN electric powered MPV concept's rear features a glass partition with a illuminated Hyundai logo and a full-width LED taillight bar, which matches the similar treatment on the front. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
As quoted of the AutoExpress, the SEVEN also features a built-in mini fridge and 'shoe-car compartments' to freshen up passenger’s footwear on the move. The panoramic glass roof is actually an OLED screen that can display content or act as an atmospheric display to maximise relaxation.
Reportedly this Hyunday SEVEN concept car will be produced into the latest mass production car, named the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and is planned to be joined its siblings, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, in early 2024. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ID.MOTOR1 | AUTOEXPRESS ]
Regarding its existence today, as quoted from MuseumofAmericanSpeed, this SportStar has become part of the collection of the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska after being donated by Barry Watkin. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MUSEUMOFAMERICANSPEED | AUTOWEEK | KNEESLIDER | HOMECARMAG ]
