Unique ONES What if one car can be transformed into four different models? Apparently, Mercedes-Benz was ever tried it. In 1995, Mercedes-Benz created a concept car called the Mercedes-Benz Vario Research Car (VRC).
Mercedes Benz Vario Research Car (VRC) can be transformed into a sedan, convertible, wagon or pickup within 15 minutes. (Picture from: Jalopnik)
Basically, the Mercedes-Benz VRC is a two-door car with a standard appearance of the front, cabin and wheels, then the automaker completed with several addition parts called the 'superstructure.'
This car can be transformed into a sedan, convertible, wagon or pickup within 15 minutes. How to replace it was fairly easy. Only needed help just to remove the roof of the car as you wish. The exterior of the car is made of plastic that is light enough to be lifted, and strong in case something untoward happens.
Basically, the Mercedes-Benz VRC is a two-door car with a standard appearance of the front, cabin and wheels, then the automaker completed with several addition parts called the 'superstructure.'(Picture from: CintaMobil)
Here are several pictures of Mercedes-Benz Vario Research Car (VRC) in four different models. (All pictures taken from: Jalopnik)
As a Pick up.
As a Station wagon.
As a Convertible.
As a Sedan.
Unfortunately, there is no explanation about the engine used. Although some reports say the automaker is preparing a 1.6L engine for VRC. In addition, this car is actually Mercedes-Benz's first research car that utilizes drive-by-wire technology for steering and brakes by eliminating the mechanical linkage for the system to work more efficiently. Perhaps in the modern era of this kind of system is common, but in 1995 this technology is very futuristic.
The Mercedes-Benz VRC is is equipped with a center color screen and satellite navigation system, some kind of luxury features in 1995.(Picture from: Motor1)
The concept car is equipped with a color center screen and a satellite navigation system, some kind of luxury features in 1995. The car even gets a radar-based speed limit warning system to alert the driver when getting too close to other vehicle in front. The concept also features a traffic sign evaluation system by identifying the speed limit and alerting the driver whenever it exceeds the specified speed limit.
However, like most of the prototype concept car, this car was never produced again after the show was over. Mercedes-Benz used the VRC to test its front-wheel drive cars which was later used in the 1997 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, as well as the Active Body Control Technology previously developed for the VRC was also applied to the A-Class. *** [EKA [29022016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | MOTOR1 ]
Cool CREATIONS Some time ago while surfing the internet, we met a unique roadster whose at a glance similar to Batmobile on the Funatic_Airline's status on Twitter. At first we had a hard time looking for it all over the internet due to our ignorance regarding the name of the car in Japanese which translates into English as 'Barry Foo Mantarei.' Automatically when we searched with such key-words, there are no results that match to the car whose image is posted on Twitter.🤔
The Bally Hoo Mantaray is designed by Tetsuharu Kawakami of Ballyhoo Custom for Kamiaki Yoshii, and built based on the rare Renault Sport Spider of 1999. (Picture from: Funatic_Airline's status on Twitter)
In short, after knowing the real name of the car is Bally Hoo Mantaray, then we dig up information about the car's origin. Now, let's discuss a little about this unique roadster. As quoted from Wikipedia, the customized roadster is known to have been built by Tetsuharu Kawakami, a Japanese artist, motorcycle and car builder who is also the owner of the Bally Hoo Custom Motorcycle.
The Bally Hoo Mantaray's first appeared in yellow color while exhibited at the 2016 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: TopGear)
Still quoted from the same source, this extraordinary customized car (at least in our opinion) was knew belong to Kamiaki Yoshii, and built based on Renault Sport Spider of 1999. For your info, this donor car is rare car model produced during 1996 to 1999 by Renault Sport (subsdiary of French' auto brand Renault) in only 1,700 units worldwide while the unit that was later customized to be the Mantaray is 1 of 700 units sold in Japan, so that's not a random car.
The
Bally Hoo Mantaray's body was built using Fiber Reinforced Plastic
(FRP) and Carbon Fiber, where the front is designed to resemble the
shape of the mouth from Mantaray. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
The mentioned donor car was purchased by Kamiaki Yoshii in 2014 which then sent it to the Bally Hoo Custom workshop in Atsagi, Kanagawa to be customized as it looks today. According to the automaker the car design was inspired by the world's largest stingray called Mantaray, which also later adopted as the name of the customized car.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray's final looks has been changed by installing the
separated windscreen and repainted dominantly in blue pearl, which based
on black, while the first yellow color is only left in the side ducts. (Picture from: Gazoo)
When the Bally Hoo Mantaray is finished, then exhibited for the first time at the 2016 Tokyo Motor Show, at the event it appeared in yellow, which is the Renault's typical color. Now the Mantaray has been repainted dominantly in blue pearl, which based on black to represent the color of those massive sea creature, while the first yellow color is only left on the side ducts.
The Bally Hoo Mantaray is designed by Tetsuharu Kawakami of Ballyhoo Custom for Kamiaki Yoshii, and built based on the rare Renault Sport Spider of 1999. (Picture from: Funatic_Airline's status on Twitter)
This custom car body was built using Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) and Carbon Fiber, where the front is designed to resemble the shape of the mouth from Mantaray. Because there is a change in the engine layout that was moved to the back, so the front cowl was converted into the car's trunk, and has a reverse opening structure like the Miura.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray's cabin has two seats are integrated with the body, then on the dashboard attached a special-made speedometer, including several instrument panels installed there. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
In the building process of this custom car is used many components taken from various other vehicle parts. Besides that, in its final looks, the Mantaray
has also been changed by installing the separated windscreen (each on
the driver and passenger sides), and uniquely, then on the screen's frame is mounted with rearview mirror on each sides.
Then there is a carbon fiber air intake installed between the separeted windscreen has a function to flow air to rears. There are two holes of the air intakes, and the wind during driving is used instead of the air conditioner. When winter comes, those two holes of the air intakes is closed and radiator heat is released to the feet through the pipe replace the heater.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray is powered by the Renault Sport Spider's original engine, a 1,988 cc inline horizontal 4 cylinder mid-mounted engine. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
On the front fender is installed turn signal lights, which on one of them on the passenger side was equipped with a camera. While the side ducts is made of carbon fiber with a shape similar to a manta ray's wing and is painted in yellow which was the car's first color.
Meanwhile at rear, there're two tunnels have been built in the rear cowl to solve the problem that heat tends to be trapped in the engine, which was one of the disadvantages of the base car with the shark fins also are installed between the tunnels to regulate better airflow.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray's rear has two tunnels have been built in the rear cowl to solve the problem that heat tends to be trapped in the engine. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
The Mantaray' cabin has two seats are integrated with the body. Then on the dashboard attached a special-made speedometer, including several instrument panels installed there. The steering is also one-off and made of all carbon, plus a screen monitor is attached to the center console to capture the image of the side camera.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray's final looks has been changed by installing the
separated windscreen and repainted dominantly in blue pearl, which based
on black, while the first yellow color is only left in the side ducts. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
So what about the powertrain? The Bally Hoo Mantaray concept is powered by the Renault Sport Spider's original engine, a 1,988 cc inline horizontal 4 cylinder mid-mounted engine, which capable of producing a maximum power of 150 PS at 6,000 rpm.
By looking at its overall appearance, in Our opinion, the Bally Hoo's car creation worthy to be the next-Batmobile (at least for Batman while he visited in Japan). Just kidding.😀Or Might be You willing to see another Japanese compact-sized sports cars which also was not widely known by the public before such the Suzusho Suppase V. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | S.RESPONSE.JP| WIKIPEDIA | GAZOO | TOPGEAR ]
Drive FANCY After being exhibited to the public at the end of 2021, the latest car as the result of collaboration between the late Virgil Abloh, the famous designer and Off-White's brand owner with Mercedes-Benz, is finally launched its production-version.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-680 by Virgil Abloh as the latest car result of collaboration between the late Virgil Abloh, the famous designer and Off-White's brand owner. (Picture from: Dezeen)
This was marked by the launch of the Mercedes-Maybach S-680 by Virgil Abloh. As we all know that the car is designed by Virgil Abloh before he passed away in November 2021 due to an angiosarcoma that shocked the fashion industry.
He previously also had collaborated with the Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Gordon Wargener in the Project Maybach to build a futuristic and luxurious battery-powered off-road grand tourer. You could say the quality of Mercedes-Benz as a luxury car manufacturer with an Abloh's touch of gold perfects the inside and outside appearance of the Mercedes-Maybach by Virgil Abloh.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-680 by Virgil Abloh looked masculine thanks to the combination of glossy black and mocha brown on various sides. (Picture from: Dezeen)
By taking the basis of the Mercedes-Benz S-680, the appearance of the car will make four-wheel lovers who look at it amazed due to it looked masculine thanks to the combination of glossy black and mocha brown on various sides. Especially for upscale consumers who want to enjoy luxury as well as comfort in the cabin of a Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-680 by Virgil Abloh's interior features a unique two-tone scheme with the main color beige interspersed with contrasting black on the roof, hood and pillars. (Picture from: Dezeen)
At the front, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class by Virgil Abloh features a chrome vertical grille, slanted headlamps with DRL lights, and a three-pointed stars logo that stands in fr|ont of the hood. As for the side of this special edition of Mercedes-Maybach wrapped in two tone colors as already mentioned, namely black and brown mocha. The black color seems to wrap the hood and the top half of the car to the rear side. While the rest is colored mocha brown which adds to the impression of luxury.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-680 by Virgil Abloh's interior has the seats, door panels, armrests and the bottom of the dashboard follow a two-tone scheme with smooth beige leather, while the ceiling, and almost all of the rest are wrapped in black. (Picture from: Dezeen)
We can also see the color combination that is not much different in the cabin, where Mercedes-Benz has equipped this car with light brown leather seats. The black color is also visible in the cabin, such as on the ceiling, door side, seat belt, rear and front passenger control console, dashboard, and MID screen.
If we get behind the wheel, we can feel a premium feel thanks to the use of a three-spoke steering wheel, control buttons that make it easier for the driver, and the distinctive Mercedes-Benz logo. Mercedes-Maybachalso uses 20-inch tires and a 6,000 cc V12 twin-turbo engine that can produce 604 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-680 by Virgil Abloh will produces only 150 units starts in 2023 while for the United States market will only be sold as many as 39 units. (Picture from: Tempo)
With the launch of the Mercedes-MaybachS-680 by Virgil Abloh, Gordon Wagener said he was proud to have worked with Abloh despite his passing. "The limited edition Mercedes-Maybach by Virgil Abloh exemplifies the symbiosis between innovative design and the finest craftsmanship now available on the road," he said.
Mercedes-Benz as a manufacturer only produces 150 units of this special car worldwide, and for the United States market, Mercedes-Maybach S-680 by Virgil Abloh will only be sold as many as 39 units at a price of $2.70 million (approx Rp. 4 billions).
Not only showing the finalized form of the Mercedes-Maybach, this German car manufacturer also collaborated with Off-White to launch a fashion collection. Together, the two of them presented a row of t-shirts, crewnecks, hoodies, hats, and gloves that read "Mercedes-Benz" and the "MM" logo which stands for Mercedes-Maybach. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MERCEDES-BENZ | ID.MOTOR1 | DEZEEN ]
Forgotten ONES There are so many great four-wheeled vehicles that have been made but haven't had the luck to make them then put on the production line, so then they quickly be forgotten. Among them there are several great supercars made by an American manufacturer called Vector Motors which we will discuss on this occasion.
The four supercars of Vector Motors Corporation consisting of the Vector M-12 (front), Vector Avtech WX-3 (left), Vector Avtech WX-3R (right), and Vector W-8 (far above). (Picture from: VectorFiles)
Although there's a common thought that says the only proper to be said as the American supercar is the Corvette. However, this assumption is not one hundred percent true, because in fact there are many more supercars that have been made by another American manufacturers, as we could not named them one by one due to they're too many. One of them is the automotive company which was originally an automotive design house called Vehicle Design Force founded by Gerald 'Jerry' Wiegert in 1971.
The first supercars of Vector Motors Corporation named Vector W-2 debuted back in the 1977. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
This American automobile company originally based in Wilmington, California later changed its name to Vector Aeromotive in the 1977. As quoted of Wikipedia, altogether around 50 Vector sports car models were developed and produced during the 1980s and 1990s including some racing versions mostly built using American made components. Nearly every car produced by the company is designated the letter "W" (for Wiegert) and a number. A letter "X" after the W (e.g. WX-8) signifies a prototype unit.
Vector W-2 prototype is powered by a twin-turbocharged Chevrolet V8 with 5,700 liters coupled with GM's THM 425 3-speed automatic transmission. (Picture from: Autozine)
The company known launched its first supercar named Vector W2 in the same year. The W2's powertrain is a fascinating feature, it was a twin-turbocharged Chevrolet V8 with 5,700 liters coupled with GM's THM 425 3-speed automatic transmission, and claimed to have a power over 600 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. At the time the company claimed the car could reached top speed of 230 mph (370 kph).
Vector Motors Corporation released the first production-ready W2 in 1989, later changed the name to Vector W8. (Picture from: Autozine)
However, due to the global economy, everything went wrong. Wiegert struggled to turn the W2 prototype into a viable concept car. However, he finally created a fully-functional W2 after a highly successful launch and much publicity, including exhibitions at international vehicle events, articles in major automotive publications, and funding from other sources.
Vector W8 is powered by 6.0-liter Rodeck twin-turbocharged V8 that produced 625 horsepower. (Picture from: Autozine)
The California-based automaker released the first production-ready W2 in 1989; however, the name changed to Vector W8. It was an improved model with a larger 6.0-liter Rodeck twin-turbocharged V8 that produced 625 horsepower. Unfortunately, the gearbox remained the same, GM's THM 425 3-speed automatic. A total of 17 Vector W8 cars were built for public sale at a price of more than $450,000 each.
Vector Motors Corporation shown its Vector WX-3R (left) and Vector WX-3 (right) at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Petrolicious)
And then Wiegert turned his attentions to the W8’s successor, the Vector WX-3. Like the W8, it featured an aluminum honeycomb structure floorpan and carbon fiber and Kevlar bodywork was shown for first time in silver at the 1992 Geneva Motor Show.
Vector WX-3 featured with an aluminum honeycomb structure floorpan and carbon fiber and Kevlar bodywork was shown for first time in silver at the 1992 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: TopSpeed)
Later it further developed for the following year’s show with a variable boost twin-turbo Rodeck 7.0-liter, 1,000 bhp V8, while its transmission was a modified General Motors Turbo-Hydramatic 425 transmission. The car also repainted in Brilliant Aquamarine and was joined on the 1993 Geneva stand with the open-top purple Vector WX-3R (for Roadster).
Vector WX-3R (roadseter version) shared all mechanical compnents from Its sibling WX-3 Coupe. (Picture from: GTSupreme)
In short, then in 1993 this company was acquired by Megatech which then moved its production base to Green Cove Springs, Florida. At that time the company then launched the Vector M12 was loosely built based on the WX-3 but powered by a version of the Lamborghini Diablo's V12 engine. Consequently, some work on the M12 was handled by Lamborghini. As such, many of the essentially American "spirit" characteristics of previous editions did not carry over to the M12.
Vector M12 was loosely built based on the WX-3 but powered by a version of the Lamborghini Diablo's V12 engine. (Picture from: Road&Track)
The car was first introduced to public at the 1996 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where Vector displayed two cars. Production was shuttered late in 1996 when the $189,000 cars did not meet projected sales targets. Production resumed after MegaTech sold off Lamborghini (to Audi) and Vector (to management), by early 1999, only 14 M12s were produced.
Vector SRV8 went back the company to its roots by using a modified 5.7 liter LT1 Corvette engine coupled with Borgwarner gearbox. (Picture from: GTSupreme)
Vector reduced the production cost of the M12 by creating the Vector SRV8. This new model went back to its American roots, and powered by a modified 5.7 liter LT1 Corvette engine coupled with Borgwarner gearbox. Although, within days of the car's first public appearance, Vector shut its doors with only one prototype was produced.
Gerald Wiegert's last project, the ultra sleek, super secret (until now) Vector WX-8 at a hidden location somewhere near the World Port of Los Angeles. (Picture from: BaronCapital)
After the remains of Vector Aeromotive were sold to American Aeromotive, Jerry Wiegert took back the assets of Vector and changed the company name from Avtech Motors to Vector Supercars, then finally to Vector Motors. Then the company developed new supercars named Vector WX-8. The supercar prototype was first unveiled at the 2007 LA Auto Show, revealing the development and the company's ambitious intentions of creating a next generation sports car successor to their previous models.
The Vector WX-8 sports car prototype posed along with the late Gerald Wiegert. (Picture from: Art&Living)
The company claimed the WX-8 may achieve a top speed of 270 mph (430 kph) and a zero-to-60 mph time as low as 2.3 seconds for the version of the car equipped with a 10-liter turbocharged engine. This engine was described variously on the company's website as being capable of "1800+ HP", "1850+ HP", and "over 1250 horsepower". As of August 2018, Vector Motors reportedly was still actively developing the vehicle.It was reported that the company seeks to sell two Vector WX-3 prototypes for US$3.5 million to secure further funding of development operations.
Furthermore Vector's website announced the WX-8 will be equipped with a choice of two potential engines, ie a 10.0 liter big-block V-8 or an electric/hybrid 7.0 liter small-block V-8. The car was not complete by the time of Wiegert's death in early 2021, with an incomplete prototype model sitting on Wiegert's driveway.😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | PETROLICIOUS | SUPERCARS.NET | HOTCARS | GTSUPREME | ART&LIVING | ROAD&TRACK | TOPSPEED ]
Should Be Made Speaking of Jeep,
as one of the legendary American cars brands which is almost always associated with masculism, adventure and the outdoors. Or is there anything else? Therefore, it is not surprising that all of the elements mentioned above were carried over when Jeep tried to present a future vehicle concept called the Jeep Treo in the early 2000s.
The Jeep Treo is designed by Freeman Thomas and made its first public appearance the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Besides that this vehicle concept also exemplifies a flowing meaningful imagination, packaged and presented in an unexpectedly stunning shapes packages that is challenging in dimensions, the traditional hallmark of the brand, but in the end it can still be seen and recognized as an authentic Jeep.
Related to its name of 'Treo' has meaning for "three" which refers to the unique 2+1 seating configuration concept. (Picture from: AutoAbah)
Related to its name of 'Treo' has meaning for "three" which refers to the unique 2+1 seating configuration concept. This Treo concept presents a bold new Jeep's signature "face" designed by Freeman Thomas, appeared for the first time at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, followed with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2004.
The Jeep Treo is powered by two electric motors driving the front and rear wheels, giving the vehicle full-time four-wheel drive capability. (Picture from: NetCarShow)
At that time the Treo was intended to be the next-generation Jeep'surban-active vehicle that allowed it to thrive in an urban or college environment which also could be easily take its owner to various outdoor activities. All of this could be possible because the Treo has been embedded with the freedom to use fuel cell technology.
The Jeep Treo still has classic Jeep design elements such as the seven-slot grille, the headlights with big eyes and the presence of new nuanced prominent windshield. (Picture from: NetCarShow)
Thus it can be said this Treo is a forward-thinking concept vehicle that comes with a concise design as well as fits well with its equally forward-thinking alternative propulsion systems. Well, by envisioning efficient, hydrogen fuel cell powering all four wheels via dual electric motors, the Treo is designed to be able running in all-terrains and conditions while being sensitive and friendly to the environment.
The Jeep Treo's interior is spaciousness and usability, besides its future material mesh technology with tactile textures and surfaces, resulting in a bright, open and functional interior environment. (Picture from: GizModo)
Although the car concept appears in compact dimensions, but classic Jeep design elements such as the seven-slot grille, the headlights with big-sized "eye-balls" and the presence of new nuanced prominent windshield and later enhanced by the lower purpose front bumper with rugged, large tow hooks, slightly exposed front suspension componentry and bolt-on fenders.
The Jeep Treo concept has a unique interior packaging of 'Driven' by 'Drive-by-Wire' controls, and made of advanced materials. (Picture from: CarBase)
The Treo's shape narrows front-to-back, and culminates in a dramatically tapered tail, which is augmented by twin, high-mounted wing spars equiped with the lights which have three functional roles as turn-signal, brake and tail-lights, besides as the cooling air intakes and an exterior mounting point for two bicycles. "The Treo's appearance is rugged and purposeful the evolution of a truly imaginative Jeep 'face' with nice packaging that belies its compact dimensions.
The Jeep Treo concept has an augmented by twin, high-mounted wing spars equiped with the lights which
have three functional roles as turn-signal, brake and tail-lights,
besides as the cooling air intakes. (Picture from: NetCarShow)
The advanced drive-by-wire system provides attractive functional detail to the Treo's interior, which in turn allows for instant adaptation to either left or right drive. The steering column, pedals and instrumentation are all contained in a single module with a piece of sculpture that can easily slide to either side of the car which mounts to a one-piece structural beam, while the second module contains radio, GPS and HVAC controls on the detachable touchscreen.
The Jeep Treo concept is designed to be able running in all-terrains and conditions while being sensitive and friendly to the environment. (Picture from: ConceptCar.ee)
These unique functional design features, combined with the added visibility provided by the Jeep's translucent grille and creative greenhouse design, contribute to the Treo's spacy interior, and allowing it to take full advantage of natural and ambient light sources. The overall effect of the Treo's interior is spaciousness and usability, besides its future material mesh technology with tactile textures and surfaces, resulting in a bright, open and functional interior environment.
The Jeep Treo concept can also carry two bikes attached on special exterior mounting points at the back. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Uniquely, the Treo's rear seats can be folded to store more Your outdoor gears, although actually the front wheels of the bicycles (are hanged at rear) can be stowed in the rear without disturbing the rear passengers. "The Treo's visionary vehicle packaging with basic 2+1 seat configuration and built-in flexibility is perfect for future Jeep activities seekers, and in deed at an entry-level price point.
Although the Treo concept could be said as a forward-thinking concept vehicle. However, the vehicle remained a one-off car due to the automaker not yet willing to exploit all its advantages in the form of a production version of the vehicle. But now after 20 years with all the technology offered by this Jeep's concept has become one of major trends today, so it's time to change the mind for the car maker whose now subsidiary of Stellantis.😍 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | GIZMODO.AU | WIKIPEDIA | JALOPNIK | MOTOR1 | CONCEPTCAR.EE ]
However, like most of the prototype concept car, this car was never produced again after the show was over. Mercedes-Benz used the VRC to test its front-wheel drive cars which was later used in the 1997 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, as well as the Active Body Control Technology previously developed for the VRC was also applied to the A-Class. *** [EKA [29022016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | MOTOR1 ]
