The Royal Family of Brunei SL73 'Quicksilver' special roadster styled by Pininfarina

Argento Vivo The automotive world is one of enormous diversity. Quite often designers are given the green light to unleash their imagination giving us some truly amazing stuff. On the other hand, the modern-day regulations has been cracking down harder and harder on the automotive design language, and many amazing concepts remained one-offs. Besides that many epic concept cars, regardless of the brand, boasted under Italian styling. 

The Honda Argento Vivo by Pininfarina debutted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995 featured with the soft and flowing surfaces of the front and rear bonnets, made of brushed aluminum, suggest the idea of ​​liquid metal shapes. (Picture from: HotCars)

Such this one for example, in 1995 Pininfarina was commissioned by Honda to design a two-seater roadster called the Pininfarina-Honda Argento Vivo ('Quicksilver,' that is how the car' name was translated). This unique roadster designed by Davide Arcangeli and is meant to be a research prototype of both companies. Reportedly, this concept car later inspired the Honda S2000 model which was launched by the Japanese company in 1998.

The Honda Argento Vivo by Pininfarina designed by Davide Arcangeli and is meant to be a research prototype of both companies. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The Argento Vivo is one of those extremely rare cases where a concept car has been granted production status and be sold for those with deep enough pockets, whose have a bit more luck than the average person. The sweet two-seat roadster was unveiled to public at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show by the leaders of the both companies, Nabuhiko Kawamoto and Sergio Pininfarina.

Pininfarina’s space frame of aluminum extrusions applied to the Argento Vivo was quite advanced technology in 1995. (Picture from: BenzWorld)

During the same year, the Argento Vivo received many awards, such as "The Golden Market Trophy" by the Japanese magazine, Car Styling and "Best in Show" by the American magazine of Auto Week.

The Honda Argento Vivo by Pininfarina uses a unique combination of fiber glass materials with carbon fiber, which was still a very rare sight in the 1990s. (Picture from: Flickr)

Many said also that the Argento Vivo should be included on the list of weird cars. Due to the car featured many unconventional things for its time, and the engine was one of them which used a 2.5-liter inline-five. Some might find it interesting, but this was actually a Honda engine known as the concept’s engine, but it is believed it’s a G-series engine, more specifically the G25A, which was a normally-aspirated, SOHC unit, producing up to 190 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 175 pound-feet (237 Nm) of torque at 3,800 rpm and channeling the power to the rear wheels. By considering the extensive use of lightweight materials, the 60 mph acceleration would probably could be achieved in around 6.0 seconds.

The Honda Argento Vivo's interior is custom-built by Pininfarina and consists of carbon fibre door panels, dashboard, centre console and special leather and carbon fibre seats. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Besides that the Argento Vivo also brought many innovations, some of which still not considered as mainstream at the time such as the folding hardtop made out of carbon-fiber and was hydraulically actuated. What makes this hardtop unique for the time is that, when the top is down, the actual piece folds in such a way that no trunk space is sacrificed. Even to these day, reportedly the such kind of feature ever been tried to apply to many convertible models, but fail to integrate into the car' designs.

The Honda Argento Vivo by Pininfarina adopts sophisticated solutions in terms of aluminium space frame, rear wheel drive and fuely retractable hard top moved by a system of electric motors and hydraulic actuators. (Picture from: HotCars)

Then there are other unique innovation examples brought by the Argento Vivo such as the use of car body construction material which is a combination of fiber glass materials with carbon fiber or even Kevlar. Back in the 1990s, a combination of lightweight materials was still a very rare sight, the Argento Vivo incorporated all of those materials. The blue body panels were all made out of fiber-glass, while the trunk lid and hood were made out of aluminum, and the folding hardtop was made out of carbon-fiber. Carbon-fiber was also present on the door panels, in the Pininfarina-designed interior.

The Honda Argento Vivo by Pininfarina is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-five Honda's engine concept capable to spew up to 190 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 175 pound-feet (237 Nm) of torque at 3,800 rpm. (Picture from: HotCars)

Another feature thanks to which the Argento Vivo stands out is the two-tone interior. It not only is a perfect contrast between the silver and dark-blue body panels, but it also signifies the different materials used in the roadster. Like we already mentioned, the entire lower half of the body is made out of fiber-glass and is finished in dark blue. The upper body panels, however, are done in brushed aluminum, which is left exposed. This interplay of different materials and different tones inspired Pininfarina to further experiment with different elements and colors, for even more spectacular aesthetics.

Attracting the Interest of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei

In 1996 His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei commissioned Pininfarina to build the Argento Vivo by using different platform, but as an exact copy of the original Honda concept, even down to the materials used. (Picture from: PublicFotki)

As time went by, apparently the Argento Vivo beautiful figure also attracted the attention of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei who then commissioned the Italian coachbuilder to build several of mentioned cars in 1996. However, at that time the His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei not wanted to use the Honda' roots on the Royal Family of Brunei's special cars and prefers to be replaced by a different platform.

Some said that the Mercedes-Benz SL73 Argento Vivo of the Royal Family of Brunei built by Pininfarina as many five or six units. (Picture from: BenzWorld)

The new platform was a late R129 Mercedes-Benz SL600 chassis. The already rare German gran-tourer was completely redesigned by the Italian design studio in order to replicate the exact same design language of the Argento Vivo concept car of the 1995. With the exception of the platform, the R129-based car was an exact copy of the original Honda concept, even down to the materials used.

The Argento Vivo of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei was built by Pininfarina based on the brand new Mercedes SL600 chassis.. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei commissioned car is powered by a 7.3 Liter M120 E73 V12 engine which was also used by the AMG Mercedes-Benz SL83, which was only 19 units ever built. The machine was able to make the supercar-like acceleration with power between 525 and 565 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, and a peak torque of 553 lbs-ft at 4,000 rpm. 

The Argento Vivo of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei is powered by a 7.3 Liter M120 E73 V12 engine which was also used by the AMG Mercedes-Benz SL83. (Picture from: BenzWorld)

Although His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei's car was significantly bigger than the previous Honda concept, its sprint capability 0 to 60 mph (92 kph) was around 4.0 seconds and a top speed of more than 174 mph (280 kph). This performance record is almost similar to those obtained by Lamborghini Diablo and Ferrari F40.

The Mercedes-Benz SL73 Argento Vivo of the Royal Family of Brunei was significantly bigger than the previous Honda concept, its sprint capability 0 to 60 mph was around 4.0 seconds and a top speed of more than 174 mph. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

Unfortunately any kind of information about the Sultan’s car collection is became some kind of highly secretive matters. According to different sources, five or six of these Mercedes-Benz-based vehicles have been built. Four of those were built for the Royal Family of Brunei. As with any other extremely-low production vehicle, no wonder if the price-tag is extreemely high. 

It is said that to this day, two of them are still in the Royal Family of Brunei's collection. Not much is known about the rest of the cars, but some claim Monaco is home to at least one of them. There was also a second unfinished Honda concept, which was eventually completed and is said to also be in Monaco. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOTCARS | TOPSPEED | BENZWORLD | CLASSICDRIVER | MOTOR1 | CARSTYLING.RU | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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Mazda's legendary rotary engined sportscar

1st MAZDA Wankel Mazda synonymous with the rotary engine, but unfortunately after the triumph era of Mazda's RX sports car end, the model that has a unique combustion system as it is not built anymore. Mazda says the continuation of the generation of single rotary engine is not logical for the company, because demand is limited plus the strict emissions regulation.

The Mazda RX-500 built only one unit as a prototype. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)

When looked again into the pages of history, Mazda once proud and seriously developing rotary engines. Even in 1970 had been born the Mazda RX-500, the one off Mazda sports car model once born, although just a concept.

The Mazda RX-500 is powered by a 491 cc Wankel rotary engine-powered 246 hp. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)

The first presentation done at the Tokyo Motor Show, in October 1970. It has a body made of plastic with a total weight of 850 kg. The sports car uses a mid-mounted 491 cc Wankel Rotary engine, it could producing 246 hp of power and is able to speed up to 200 kph! For the size of a sports car of its era, if the RX-500 produced, it could be one of the fastest car on the streets.

At rear, the Mazda RX-500 accommodates a typical shape which is known as the Kamm tail or K-tail. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)

The design is done by Toyo Kogyo, its purpose as a reference of Mazda model to the high-speed driving security. At the front, its fascia seem widened, and extending at the rear. From the silhouette of the body, at first glance looks like a DeLorean DMC-12, the famous car that taken role play in 'Back to the Future' movie.

While inside the car cabin only fit two passengers which is accessed via two of butterfly-styled doors on the side. There're another unique features, it has the rear lights emit various colors, such a green light during acceleration, yellow in the normal, and bright red when it braking.

The Mazda RX-500 is very rare, even almost become elusive car. But the eyes of the automotive lover re-open after the original Mazda's sport car appeared in the Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​event which held in West Sussex, England, on June 26-29, 2014 ago. *** [EKA [26052015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ]

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This is not Mustang, but an electric-powered Aviar R67

Electrified Muscle Car There is almost no automotive fan who does not know the Mustang as one of the legendary American muscle cars made by the Ford Motor Company which has been around since the 1960s. Besides having a distinctive appearance, it is also very powerful, so it's not surprising that many people like it.

The Aviar R67 is a 840 hp electric-powered Mustang likened muscle car and built by a Russian company named Aviar Motors based on the Tesla Model S platform. (Picture from: Hyperbeast)

Talking about the Mustang, in the current context where's the trend of electrification of motorized vehicles booming and has also been followed by many big car manufacturers including Ford. Well, as we all know that the American automaker has also launched a modern version of the electric-powered steed named the Mustang Mach-E. But as good as the Mach-E was, there're many diehard Mustang fans whose might think that isn't a typical American muscle car, but the first fully electric SUV that used the Mustang iconic nameplate.

The Aviar R67 was the first electric muscle car featured with incredible acceleration dynamics and high level of comfort. (Picture from: RobbReport)

This is made some kind of a pretty promising business niche because many Mustang fans who still expect a  typical American muscle car looks to accompany the latest eco-friendly powertrains. It seems this opportunity was seized well by the Russian-based company named Aviar Motors.

The Aviar R67 has a carbon-fiber body to be primarily inspired by the famous 1967 Mustang fastback. (Picture from: GearMoose)

This Russian-based company is currently hard at work on its latest Aviar R67, a fully electric powered muscle car based on the classic Mustang fastback, according to Motor1. But the custom EV’s retro-inspired design isn’t the only reason for excitement, as the unofficial speedster will also be built atop Tesla’s industry-leading Model S platform.

The Aviar R67 was built based on the Tesla Model S including the electrical components, motors and gearbox. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Of its renderings show the car’s brawny, carbon-fiber body to be primarily inspired by the Mustang fastback of 1967. Anyone with even a passing familiarity with the Ford' classic muscle car will notice the pleasing lines, the memorable silhouette and the iconic grille, though the iconic Mustang badge has been replaced by one that displays the Aviar logo. While inside the car, you’ll find a modern leather-covered interior with a distinct retro-futurist vibe. All in all, it’s a beautiful looking vehicle inside and out.

While inside the Aviar R67' cabin, you’ll find a modern leather-covered interior with a distinct retro-futurist vibe. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

What’s under the EV’s hood may be just as impressive. The Tesla platform gives the R67 all the electrical components, motors and gearbox you’d find in the Model S. Though still in the prototype stage, Aviar Motors claims on its website that the car’s two motors, which get their power from a 100 kWh battery, are capable of spewing out a staggering 840 horses.

The all-wheel drive Aviar R67 has an electric motor at each axle and the batteries are mounted beneath the car for weight distribution and a range of 315 miles. (Picture from: GridOto)

All this power has been put too good use, too, as the company says the car can go from zero to 62 mph in just 2.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. The R67'd range is nothing to dismiss either, as Aviar claims it will go 315 miles on single charge. These numbers are almost certainly optimistic, but if the vehicle can even get close, it will be one mighty impressive EV.

Unfortunately, until now there's no release date has been announced for the R67. And for those who can’t wait, there are other electrified Mustang options out there. In addition to Ford’s officially sanctioned crossover, there’s a 536 hp option from Charge Cars that is currently open reservation for similar kind of car. Still, if the thought of more than 800 horses has your tongue wagging, you’ll probably want to wait. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AVIAR MOTORS | MOTOR1 | CHARGE CARS | ROBBREPORT | HYPERBEAST | GEARMOOSE ]

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Colani's weird long hood car creations

Maestro Works Talking about the unique works of Luigi Colani, a renowned contemporary industrial designer may never end, although he had passed away in the 2019. Because this German designer has been active in the modern industrial world since the early of 1950s to the second millenium, with the segmentation of works varied, not only from the automotive world but also the world of aviation, buildings to household furnishings.

The 2 weird long hood Luigi Colani designed cars, 1976 Colani L'Aiglon Coupé and 1996 Colani Horsch Mega-Roaster. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Next-Gen Concept: Car That Splits into Twin Motorcycles!

Weird ONES - Dreams of owning a car that seamlessly transforms into a pair of powerful motors may no longer be confined to the realms of imagination. Enter the Lane Splitter, a groundbreaking concept car that brings this dream to life, courtesy of the innovative minds Chipp Walters of Argodesign, as reported by Gizmag. Drawing inspiration from eclectic sources such as the iconic Batman Tumbler and the visionary work of Syd Mead, the Lane Splitter concept is a testament to the fusion of creativity and cutting-edge design.

The Lane Splitter concept is an awesome concept car that splits into two motorcycles. (Picture from: ArgoDesign)

At the core of the Lane Splitter's uniqueness are its hubless wheels, designed in pairs to enhance stability during intricate maneuvers. The concept also features a retractable roof, serving as a convenient entry point for passengers. With two seats and a maneuverable steering system, the Lane Splitter seamlessly transitions from a car to a motorcycle, embodying a dimension of 128 inches (325 cm) with an asymmetrical silhouette.

The Lane Splitter concept was designed by Chipp Walters Argodesign. (Picture from: Gizmag)

The process of docking and undocking is ingeniously simplified with the push of a button. Docking connectors strategically positioned at the front and rear facilitate the seamless integration of the two-wheeled mode. An automated docking mechanism, complete with a small landing wheel, ensures stability and alignment during the transformation – a technological marvel reminiscent of auto-parking features found in modern cars.

The Lane Splitter concept takes the form of a buggy-like vehicle when in car-mode. (Picture from: Gizmag)

In motorcycle mode, the Lane Splitter transforms into two smaller wheels, enhancing its stability. The reintegration of these wheels occurs effortlessly when the motor is assembled back into its car form. The electric motor, embedded in the rear wheel, provides the necessary power to propel this futuristic concept forward.

The wheels of the Lane Splitter concept separate slightly when in bike-mode for increased stability. (Picture from: Gizmag)

The Lane Splitter emerged from Wilson's Creative Director for a Day initiative and made its debut just in time for the prestigious New York Auto Show 2015. This groundbreaking concept car not only pushes the boundaries of conventional design but also hints at a future where versatility and innovation seamlessly coexist on the roads.

As we marvel at the Lane Splitter's transformative capabilities, it beckons us to envision a future where the lines between cars and motorcycles blur, and vehicles become dynamic expressions of creativity and functionality. The road ahead holds endless possibilities, where the dream of a car that effortlessly morphs into a pair of motors becomes a tangible reality, promising a thrilling journey into the unknown.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops....... *** [EKA [02052015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARGODESIGN | GIZMAG | FASTCOMPANY ]

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This is the first Lotus' hyper SUV made in China

Hyper SUV After some time ago  Lotus Cars, the famous British car manufacturer had launched its electric-powered sportscar Evija followed by the birth of Emira known as the company's last petrol-engined sportscar. Recently, the car maker company based in Hethel, Norfolk, England, officially released the first and newest electric SUV, named the Lotus Eletre. At first glance, the unique and cool design actually reminds us for a moment of the SUV made by the Italian manufacturer, Lamborghini Urus.

The birth of the Lotus Eletre marks a new era of Lotus as an EV maker that draws on elements from the Evija electric hypercar and the Emira sports car. (Picture from: Otomotif SIndoNews)

Besides that, it turns out that there is a more interesting fact related to the Lotus Eletre, which states that the world's first hyper electric SUV is actually not purely made by the Lotus's plant in England, due to this latest Lotus Eletre was made in China. Precisely at the Geely factory in Wuhan, China. How come? Of course this is possible, because currently Lotus is one of the automotive brands that has been owned by the Chinese automotive giant Geely Group, just like Volvo, Polestar, and Proton.

The Lotus Eletre electric-powered SUV is built on the basis of the Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) platform. (Picture from: Otomotif SIndoNews)

Although made by China, Lotus Eletre has many amazing things. As quoted of Autoblog, that the Lotus Eletre design is a slick blend of styles adopted from previous Lotus-made sportscars such as the Evija and Emira. And the combined design of both is later presented in a large-sized vehicle, high ground clearance and equipped with advanced technologies to seduce the market.

The Lotus Eletre cabin has a slim gauge cluster and a head-up display provides the driver with relevant info, front passengers get a similar slim display that can display infotainment options. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Even though this electric-powered SUV is made in China, that doesn't mean Lotus really let it go in its design process. Well, the entire design and manufacturing process of the Eletre is still under the control of the British company through Ben Payne, Head of Design at Lotus Tech Creative Centre. No wonder when you look at the final result, where for a production car, the Lotus Eletre looks almost like a concept car. 

The Lotus Eletre interior comes in four- or five-seat configurations, so the customers will just have to adjust their choices according to their driving style preferences. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

The reason is that various futuristic elements are still perfectly installed in the Lotus' premium SUV. For example, the camera system instead of car mirrors, then there is the face detection feature inside the cabin, to a LIDAR Scanner mounted on the roof. Besides that, the Lotus Eletre itself is offered in two seat configurations, 4 and 5 seats. So consumers will just have to adjust their choices according to their driving style preferences.

Lotus isn't ready to divulge specific battery capacity, only told is the pack is more than 100 kWh and output starts at 600 horsepower all-wheel-drive, with a motor on each axle. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Furthermore, the Lotus Eletre electric car is built on the basis of the Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) platform and Lotus isn't ready to divulge the weight of this premium SUV and also specific battery capacity at the time of its official launch, only told is the pack is more than 100 kWh and output starts at 600 horsepower all-wheel-drive, with a motor on each axle.

The Lotus Eletre's rear featured with its Lotus script and full-width light bar fading into triangular intakes along the sides, clearly comes from the sports cars. (Picture from: Autoblog)

The car's acceleration from rest to 100 kph is claimed to only take less than 3.0 seconds with a top speed that can be achieved is 260 kph. The British car manufacturer also says that the battery capacity installed in the Eletre is over 100 kWh, and this allows the WLTP range to be estimated at around 600 kilometers and capable of replenish two-thirds of its battery in 20 minutes at a 350 kW fast charger device, and by such a power capacity allowing the car to drive range up to 400 kilometers.

Besides that, there is also advanced technology that is also installed on this Lotus SUV. One of them is autonomous technology that uses LIDAR. Thanks to this technology, the car owners can call the car to come by itself from its parking lots to where the owner is waiting. All of this is done through an application installed on the car owner's smartphone.

It is planned that the Eletre will be sold in China and the UK in the next 2023. After that, other countries will be got turn to have the car in 2024. Until now, Lotus has not revealed the price of its Eletre electric SUV which is predicted to be a strong competitor to the Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX and Alfa Romeo Tonale. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUS CARS | CARANDDRIVER | AUTOBLOG ]

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