One Piece We first found how unique of this car, when we've seen it on the status of the French automaker in Twitter some time ago. After searching, turn out the car was one of Peugeot' prototypes that has a quite interesting shape named the Peugeot 406 Toscana Concept is presented at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show.
1996 Peugeot 406 Toscana Concept sat on display at the Musée de l'Aventure Peugeot (Peugeot Adventure Museum) in Sochaux. (Picture from: VroomVroom)
Besides its name refers to the Tuscany region in Italy, it could be interpreted as an early anticipation of the French' marque in partnership with the Italian coachbuilder based on one of their famous production models.
In fact the 406 Toscana Concept was designed by Pininfarina based on the Peugeot 406 series, and wasn't intend to realize into production version, but rather to announce the arrival of a new body version in the Peugeot 406 family, which for many known as one of the most beautiful cars in the history of the French brand.
1996 Peugeot 406 Toscana Concept is built based of the Peugeot 406 saloon, ranging from the nose, taillights, body swage lines to the sci-fi canopy. (Picture from: ABCMoteur.fr)
At that time the French manufacturer said that the Toscana concept borrowed the ideals and classic proportions of Renaissance architects, and made it a kind of natural evolution of the 406 sedan as its basis. And when making the Toscana, the Peugeot designers are like creating a sculpture in movement.
1996 Peugeot 406 Toscana Concept sat on display at the 1996 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: DrivenToWrite)
Besides being designed by the famous Italian auto design company Pininfarina, it turns out that the concept vehicle is also produced at the coachbuilder's production facility in San Giorgio Canavese near Turin, Italy. A few months after finished, the Peugeot 406 Toscana Concept was presented at the 1996 Paris Motor Show.
The concept car comes with a body that combines the main style elements of the 406 saloon, ranging from nose treatment, rear lamps, body swage line to the sci-fi canopy. So it is not surprising if many seen that the front of the prototype is identical to the first generation Peugeot 406, as is the rear (except the spectacular airfoil).
1996 Peugeot 406 Toscana Concept 's interior looks similar to the 406 Coupe production version. (Picture from: ABCMoteur.fr)
Although in this case, it's no longer a sedan, but a kind of targa-type convertible featured with a capsule-style glass surface, with a wide windshield, windows narrow, and a retractable glass roof, so it rather like a yacht than car.
Its cabin also looks similar to the 406 Coupe production version, although the showroom model uses more striking color combinations, such a combination of green and salmon tones. What is clear from such car' appearence, there're some who say that the Toscana is a frivolous concept even though it's still built based on a production model.
1996 Peugeot 406 Toscana Concept designed by Pininfarina and built at the coachbuilder's production facility in San Giorgio Canavese near Turin, Italy. (Picture from: VroomVroom)
Not only that, there are some doubtful design attributes if they're coming from Pininfarina. Yet if it's an internal work, it shows Gérard Welter's sense of humor as being somewhat leftfield. Furthermore, it would be reminds us of some of GM's Motorama concepts of the 1950s or even Adam West's Batmobile.
Surprisingly, the Sochaux-based automaker's ad execution for the Peugeot 406 models (at least in the UK) featured the hit single 'Search For the Hero' from M People. In the case of Toscana Concept, no search is required, and its driver instantly granted superhero status. Guess what the Toscana Concept actually is? A Gallic' batmobile or a 406 Speedster? All of your guesses are as good as mine. What it was however, is it really worthy of being a Batman's car ride?😌 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OLDCONCEPTCARS | DRIVENTOWRITE | PEUGEOTUK ON TWITTER ]
Dragon Wheel Why is this strange car being sold at such a high price? This uniquely shaped car was first seen on display at the 2021 Guangzhou Auto Show, was introduced under the name of Saloon Mecha Dragon, and reportedly will distribute to the owner in the next 2022.
2022 GWM Saloon Mecha Dragon electric-powered car sat on display at the 2021 Guangzhou Motor Show. (Picture from: CarNewsChina)
The Chinese manufacturer made car reportedly sold in limited quantities, which is only 101 units. While it sold with a not cheap price tags, but all of them were immediately sold out in just 3 hours since the exhibition opened though!
In fact, the Mecha Dragon is only intended for consumers in China and is offered at a price of CHN ¥488,000 or approximately Rp.1.093 billion. But in less than a day, all of the Saloon Mecha Dragon units that were planned to be produced have been ordered out. So, what's so good about this oddly designed four-door sports car?
2022 GWM Saloon Mecha Dragon has an appearance full of angled, and almost does
not has dynamically flowing like an exotic sports car in general. (Picture from: Car250)
Then related to the car's name is chosen, the Saloon Automobile itself is a sub-brand of Great Wall Motors (GWM), one of the Chinese lead automotive companies. Meanwhile, Mecha Dragon is taken from the Mega Man 2 game theme.
No wonder if the car's appearance is indeed made in the style of a monster robot from the virtual game. Of course, this sports car enthusiast does not come from ordinary people rather than the gamers and ones whose want to appear eccentric on the highway.
2022 GWM Saloon Mecha Dragon also has the fake hood scoop but made it looks badass, and so do they air vents above the lights. (Picture from: Keinthuc)
According to Wen Fei, CEO of Saloon Automobile that currently 10 of the new cars released, 9 of them are SUVs. The market seems weary of this state of affairs and needs something very different. Moreover, the offer of a car with an authentic aesthetic is very rare. "Because we are not used to it, we will do it ourselves," he said.
If you look of its statures, the Saloon Mecha Dragon does not imply that the car has a price of billions. How not, its appearance is full of angled, does not has dynamically flowing like a Ferrari or Maserati.
2022 GWM Saloon Mecha Dragon is powered by a high-performance dual
magnetic motor equivalent to a 5.0-liter supercharged petrol engine
combined with an intelligently adjustable four-wheel drive system. (Picture from: e-Go.by)
On the front, there's a wide juts inward bumper model and given an impression that the hood is more advanced than its bumper. Meanwhile the headlight is also rectangular, then on the hood given a red accent, equivalent to the affix on the corner of the bumper.
Continuing to the sides, the Chinese unique car also uses a kind of fenders as where its black-colored multi-spoke wheels install. Well, as the name implies, the car is a 4-door saloon type and then the bottom of the door is also given black and red accents.
2022 GWM Saloon Mecha Dragon's interior showing a dashboard with a 10.25 inch instrument panel and a 27 inch 4k touch screen that can be configured to show 3 streams. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
Uniquely at the back, the car looks like a fastback with a combination futuristic light design combined with an agressive bumper and rear diffuser. Are You agree if We called the Saloon Mecha Dragon is weird rather than unique.
Compared to the exterior which is quite difficult for everyone to accept, the Mecha Dragon Saloon' interior design can even invite admiration. The dashboard is filled with an elongated monitor that is divided into three sections. That is one to help the driver when driving, then it can be an entertainment screen, and it can also be used to enable several features in the car.
2022 GWM Saloon Mecha Dragon's interior has four seats which are all wrapped in soft premium materials with colors that can be chosen according to consumer tastes. (Picture from: TopelectricSUV)
In the car's cabin, there are four seats which are all wrapped in soft premium materials with colors that can be chosen according to consumer tastes. In addition, on the center console and door trim there is also ambient light to add a dramatic impression to the cabin space.
2022 GWM Saloon Mecha Dragon's seats are seem very wide with center seat in the back only big enough for a child. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
Meanwhile, to assist the driver, the Saloon Mecha Dragon is equipped with 4 surround cameras, 5 millimeter wave radar, 12 ultrasonic radars, and one high-precision positioning camera unit. Meanwhile, in terms of sound quality, an audio system product from Harman Kardon is used.
Although
the 2022 GWM Saloon Mecha Dragon is an electric-powered car, but
it has really cool 'fake exhaust pipes' would be light up in red when
accelerating. (Picture from: TopelectricSUV)
The Saloon Mecha Dragon uses a high-performance dual magnetic motor equivalent to a 5.0-liter supercharged petrol engine combined with an intelligently adjustable four-wheel drive system, so that the car gets about 543 PS of power and 700 Nm of torque from the drivetrain. The automaker also said that the Salon Mecha Dragon featured with 115 kWh battery will offer a 250 mile range in just a 10 min quick charge.
2022
GWM Saloon Mecha Dragon's bodywork uses many sharp lines and angles combined with the fastback-style tail. (Picture from: Auto.cz)
In order to support the performance of the Saloon Mecha Dragon, the automaker has paired 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped with Michelin High Performance tires combined with the Brembo's four-piston caliper brakes system.
So that the driver does not lose the thrill of driving, the Saloon Mecha Dragon is also equipped with a sound system that can be adjusted so that the car can deliver sounds like a conventional engined vehicle. And the sound can be muted if the driver wants to drive quietly as drove an electric powered car in general.
2007 Stola Phalcon Coupé sat on display at the Geneva Motor Show 2007. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Not only that, it turns out that the Turin-based coachbuilder company had ever made an exclusive high performance luxurious car named the one-off Maybach Exelero back in 2004 for a German's brand Maybach. As the German' brand made one unit only, so the Italian coachbuilder Stola intends to build it exclusively as well under its-owned brand in limited numbers.
Possibly
the existence of a peregrine falcon's head ornament on the
front-grille, as one the reason why the car called the Phalcon (Falcon)
Coupé. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
The mentioned vehicle (initially there was no name) then known as the Stola Phalcon Coupé Concept, was built to be exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show 2007, defined as "100% made in Stola," and also intended to underscore the company's maturity as a limited series manufacturer of highly exclusive car niches.
2007 Stola Phalcon Coupé intended to underscore the company's maturity as a limited series manufacturer of highly exclusive niche cars. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Possibly the existence of a peregrine falcon's head ornament on the front-grille, as one the reason why the car then known as the Phalcon (Falcon) Coupé, in addition there was a much neater touch was the fitment of a windscreen that extended right over its roof and way down the rear to form the back window.
2007 Stola Phalcon Coupé's legs used the Mita designed rims with the AEZ's chromed alloy wheels consists of nine slender spokes that are gently curved to create an extraordinary lustre, then wrapped with the Pirelli PZERO tyres. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
As quoted of Allcarindex,
the concept car is built based on ultra-high performance mechanics.
With the construction of the luxury coupe, which at that time was
planned to be produced soon as posible, Stola has walked a step further to become the
first haute'couture automotive brand that's not only allow its clients to define the new car's interior and exterior based of this concept, even to decide the car's name.
2007 Stola Phalcon Coupé
is powered by the Brabus-tuned twin-turbo Mercedes V-12
powertrain-platform, with a 6.3 litre engine capable producing power of
740 hp and 1,360 Nm of torque. (Picture from: Autoblog)
As previously mentioned, the company plans to build these ultra-exclusive cars in a limited number of 25 units only, it has been made possible by the contribution of three great names in the automotive industry such Brabus, Alcar and Pirelli.
The car is powered by the Brabus-tuned twin-turbo Mercedes V12 powertrain-platform, with a 6.3 litre engine capable producing power of 740 hp and 1,360 Nm of torque, so no wonder if the car boasts a top speed in excess of 330 kph (200 mph).
While for its gorgeous legs, the Phalcon used the Mita designed rims with the AEZ's chromed alloy wheels consists of nine slender spokes that are gently curved to create an extraordinary lustre, then wrapped with four 315/25X22 Uhp Pirelli PZERO tyres. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALLCARINDEX | AUTOBLOG | CARSTYLING.RU | CARBODYDESIGN ]
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.
Surprisingly, the Sochaux-based automaker's ad execution for the Peugeot 406 models (at least in the UK) featured the hit single 'Search For the Hero' from M People. In the case of Toscana Concept, no search is required, and its driver instantly granted superhero status. Guess what the Toscana Concept actually is? A Gallic' batmobile or a 406 Speedster? All of your guesses are as good as mine. What it was however, is it really worthy of being a Batman's car ride?😌 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OLDCONCEPTCARS | DRIVENTOWRITE | PEUGEOTUK ON TWITTER ]
