Here's the Mustang GT500CR with body of all-carbon fiber hypercar-quality

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023 Of course, you still remember the famous American muscle car figure was nicknamed 'Eleanor' roled in the 2000s Hollywood's movie titled of 'Gone in 60 Seconds.' That's right, it was 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. So, here's now we will discuss about a similar car that got an unusual modification..

The 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500CR with carbon fiber body as collaboration result of Classic Recreations and SpeedKore Performance Group. (Picture from: GridOto)

Although exactly not an original car, instead only a modern re-created version as collaboration result of Classic Recreations with SpeedKore Performance Group (a carbon fiber specialist tuner), called Ford Mustang Shelby GT500CR, and of course officially under licensed of Ford and Shelby American.

Even the application of carbon fiber also extends to the interior parts such as the steering wheel, transmission lever, pedals, and dashboard ornaments as well as door trim. (Picture from: GridOto)

As reported by Carscoops, the collaboration of those two famous American companies managed to make a full carbon fiber bodied Shelby GT500. As we're previously known the body parts of the Shelby GT500 were made of steel, now changed completely built under carbon fiber materials.

In other words, the Classic Recreations' carbon fiber GT500CR starts with a restored donor steel tub taken from an original 1967 or 1968 Mustang that is then fitted with all-new carbon fiber body panels of SpeedKore Performance Group.

This is a hand-built 7.0-liter engine with an intercooled ProCharger supercharger with 900 hp which was one of the engine options that offered on the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500CR. (Picture from: GridOto)

Even the application of carbon fiber also extends to the interior parts such as the steering wheel, transmission lever, pedals, and dashboard ornaments as well as door trim. In addition to body panels that have been entirely replaced under hypercar-quality carbon fiber, the Classic Recreations provides several drivetrain options.

Well, the GT500CR models are available with several engine options, ranging from a Ford Performance Gen 3 Coyote 5.0-liter engine with power of 490 hp, up to a hand-built 7.0-liter engine with an intercooled ProCharger supercharger to burst power of 900 hp. All Shelby GT500CRs come with a Tremec five-speed manual transmission and stainless-steel MagnaFlow performance exhaust.

The 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500CR with carbon fiber body as collaboration result of Classic Recreations and SpeedKore Performance Group. (Picture from: GridOto)

The next change in the legs are with the power rack-and-pinion conversion, coil-over suspension, oversized sway bars, Wilwood brakes, American Racing forged wheels and Michelin high-performance Z-rated tires.

While for those who want more performance, the optional Pro Touring Track Package includes Detroit Speed Engineering suspension, wider rear wheels and tires, mini tubs and six-piston brake calipers with larger rotors. Other options include six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, interior upgrades and a full palette of paint colors.

Still quoted of the same source, the carbon GT500CR will be followed by a Shelby-licensed all-carbon-fiber-bodied Cobra in the future. Later reported also by Carscoops, the Classic Recreations will be producing the GT500CR models in a limited number at just 25 units, with the price starts at $265,000 for the model powered by a 5.2-liter Coyote V8 drivetrain. If you are interested to this unique American muscle car, please contact Classic Recreations for further information. ~Keep Healthy in 2023~ *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSIC RECREATIONS | CARSCOOPS | COMPOSITESWORLD ]

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A weird looking Austrian-made sports car named Kiska APG-1

Weird ONES Indeed, many new car models are said to be released at the end of this year, and some of them were discussed by us. In turn now, we will see what an Austrian little-known brand named Kiska does, when it previewed an exciting new sports car dubbed the Kiska APG-1 sometime ago. At its peak, a number of new images have been seen released on this December 2022 along with reports that the car will be in production soon.

A weird looking Austrian-made sports car called Kiska APG-1, and is built based on the KTM X-Bow GT-XR. (Picture from: Kolesa.ru)

For your info, the mentioned brand above owned by a multidisciplinary design studio founded by an Austrian entrepreneur named  Gerald Kiska back in 1991, and over time the company grew then known through out the world, now it has a quite wide range clients such; Adidas, Audi, Bosch, Husqvarna, KTM and dozens of other companies, even now Kiska feels that it has the ability to produce its own sports car, and is starting to pave the way in that direction.

The Kiska APG-1 was originally conceived as a study concept for demonstrate the automaker's ability to "conceptualize, design, and build aspirational and emotional brands rooted in real desires". (Picture from: Kolesa.ru)

As quoted of Carscoops, the Kiska APG-1 was originally conceived as a study concept for demonstrate Kiska's ability to "conceptualize, design, and build aspirational and emotional brands rooted in real desires". However, eventually the brand now wants to assemble a coachbuilding network that will make the APG-1 into a reality.

The Kiska APG-1 is powered by an Audi 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that same to ones used by the KTM X-Bow GT-XR. (Picture from: Podkapotou)

Uniquely, the Kiska APG-1 is built based on the recently introduced KTM X-Bow GT-XR. Thus, it is not surprising if the car will be supported by a carbon fiber monocoque, and also powered by an Audi 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine. While used in the KTM X-Bow GT-XR, the engine capable bursts power of 500 hp at 6,350 rpm and 428 lb-ft (581 Nm) of torque at 5,500 rpm, so likely the APG-1 has similar horsepower and torque figures.

The Kiska APG-1 is featured with a large front grille with black color, a pair of small pop-up headlights, and black strakes on the front of the hood. (Picture from: Kiska)

Other parts might be taken from KTM include a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission system, rear-wheel drive layout and limited-slip differential, strong braking system, and the same push-rod suspension system.

The Kiska APG-1 is made of lightweight carbon fiber, while in creating this mid-engined sports car clearly takes design inspiration from the Lancia Stratos. (Picture from: Kiska)

Furthermore, as explained by the Kiska's Lead Tranportation Designer, Alan Derosier, that the entire body of Kiska's car creation is made of lightweight carbon fiber, while in creating this mid-engined sports car clearly takes design inspiration from the legendary Lancia Stratos, which is immediately identifiable by the front wheel arches and the protruding canopy roof.

The Lancia Stratos-inspired shapes found on the Kiska APG-1 are instantly recognizable by the prominent front wheel arches and roof canopy. (Picture from: Kiska)

Then the Kiska APG-1 sports car is also equipped with a large front grille with black color, a pair of small pop-up headlights, and black strakes on the front of the hood. There is also another uniqueness could be seen on the front, precisely on the hood in the form of air vents or something like that, which in our opinion bears a resemblance to the mask worn by Darth Vader (the main antagonist character of the Hollywood box-office movies of 'Star Wars').

The Kiska APG-1 also has other striking design details including the rear spoiler which is above the rear engine cover, square taillights, dual exhaust pipes, and a large rear wing. (Picture from: Kiska)

It doesn't stop there, it turns out that there are still other striking design details including the rear spoiler which is above the rear engine cover, square taillights, dual exhaust pipes, and a large rear wing. As we're sure most people would agree, it really should be brought into real.

It's unclear how many cars will be produced or how much each unit will cost. Because as far as we can see at this point, getting to the production stage seems still far away, and the Kiska APG-1 sports car seems to be still in the model development stage (with only one prototype under construction), beside that the automaker are also opening an oppurtunity for you to involve directly in the development process or investment. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KISKA | CARSCOOPS | PODKAPOTOU ]

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The gorgeous Samantha by Vignale was one of the rare FIAT models of 1960s

Rare Rides Well, this time we will return to Italy for discussing a unique classic car figure that was customized result of Carrozzeria Vignale in late of the 1960s built based on one of the many models made by the Italian automotive giants, Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino or better known as FIAT. As we all know, Carrozzeria Vignale is one of Italian famous, respectfull coachbuilder companies which was founded in 1948 by Alfredo Vignale.

The FIAT 125S Samantha has a sleek coupé body design with exotic lines, combined with small round headlamps and a chrome-plated bumper. (Picture from: Bonham)

Actually, this Italian coachbuilder company had been started its pro career in the pre-World War II era, and succeeded with its car body designs that was built based on the FIAT Topolino chassis. Meanwhile in the mid-1960s, apart from FIAT, Carrozzeria Vignale was also known to design and build on many Lancia and Maserati models, before finally trying to produce their own models.

This FIAT 125S Samantha by Vignale was one of the rare FIAT models of 1960s. (Picture from: SecretClassic)

Carrozzeria Vignale's collaboration with FIAT at that time was indeed very harmonious. For FIAT, Vignale built various show cars, prototypes and several limited edition models. Furthermore, the Italian auto giants also gave Carrozzeria Vignale freedom to be creative with its own models.

The FIAT 125S Samantha built by Vignale based on the FIAT 125S models. (Picture from: Bonham)

Eventually, Carrozzeria Vignale built the 'Samantha' in 1967, which was built based on the FIAT 125S models. As we could be seen, the Samantha has a sleek coupé body design with exotic lines, combined with small round headlamps and a chrome-plated bumper, and was built in small numbers of production. While for its drivetrain, the Samantha is equipped with a 2.0-liter capacity engine.

The FIAT 125S Samantha provides enough comfortable space for four passengers with ample luggage space inside of it. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Even though it has a relatively small body, the gorgeous Samantha still provides enough comfortable space for four passengers with ample luggage space inside of it. In addition, the Samantha's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is capable of developing 112 bhp of power coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The FIAT 125S Samantha is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is capable of developing 112 bhp of power coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: SecretClassic)

With the such a kind of engine configuration, the FIAT 125S Samantha capable makes an acceleration from zero to 60 mph (100 kph) in 11.0 seconds, and runs up to a top speed of 106 mph or 170 kph. Unfortunately, if it compared to its donor of the FIAT 125S model, the gorgeous Samantha costs twice as much.

At the time, the FIAT 125S Samantha was only produced around 100 units, and was not distributed through FIAT's main dealers, but through independent specialist importers. Today, only a handful of the FIAT 125S Samantha's remain, and making it one of the rarest of 1960s FIAT car models. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | BONHAM | SECRETCLASSIC ]

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The QUANTiNO Twentyfive special electric sports car without batteries

Special ONES The presence of an environmentally friendly electric car for the automotive enthutiats in the United States is of course not something extraordinary, because it is indeed commonplace for vehicles like that to be seen milling about on the streets of that country. Moreover, as we all know that the largest electric car manufacturer, Tesla also currently based in there.

The QUANTiNO Twentyfive shown off specifically to celebrate nanoFlowCell's 25th anniversary as well as its expansion plan to the US. (Picture from: OtomotifSindoNews)

However, this does not necessarily discourage automotive manufacturers from all over the world from marketing their such kind of products in that country, while still making the US's automotive market to be their main targets. This is what is trying to do by NanoFlowcell Holdings, a London-based company which is said to be expanding to the United States by introducing its special eco-friendly vehicle called the nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO Twentyfive.

The nanoFlowCell QUANTiNO Twentyfive is sporty 2+2 car with removable roof, and is powered by electric motors attached to each wheel. (Picture from: Carscoops)

In which the prototype of this car had been discussed a few years ago, precisely in 2016; (If You wanna see the article, just click). As quoted of Carscoops, as well as for the brand's expansion purposed to the US market, the car is also to mark its 25th anniversary, that's why this special version of QUANTiNO's car is dubbed twentyfive. Furthermore, this sporty 2+2 car with removable roof is powered by electric motors attached to each wheel, and is capable of producing a combined power of around 320 hp.

The nanoFlowCell QUANTiNO Twentyfive interior featured with an elegant modern style, which is covered entirely in a combination of brown-black genuine leathers, and stainless trims. (Picture from: OtomotifSindoNews)

Uniquely, the electric car developed by nanoFlowcell does not use a battery system like many other manufacturers did. Instead, they applied the bi-ION technology by using a positively charged electrolyte and a negatively charged anolyte that meet in an ion-selective membrane to generate electricity. Well, to add it, of course, requires special refueling facility for a bi-ION nanoFlowcell solution.

The nanoFlowCell QUANTiNO Twentyfive is applied the bi-ION technology by using a positively charged electrolyte and a negatively charged anolyte that meet in an ion-selective membrane to generate electricity. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

As it was stated in the nanoFlowcell's press release that in the future besides building car factory for production of the QUANT E-models series, the company also intends to build a large-scale bi-ION® production facility, providing transportable renewable energy for fuelling nanoFlowcell applications.

Chief Executive and Chief Technology Officer of nanoFlowcell, Nunzio La Vecchia said that with the Reducing Inflation Act, the United States has made the largest investment in clean energy in US history, and the potential implications for renewable energy are far-reaching.

He further added that nanoFlowcell will not seek investment from the US government to expand its manufacturing facilities and infrastructure in the United States; if necessary the company will forge strategic partnerships to build and expand manufacturing and infrastructure, as well as integrate nanoFlowcell technology into all sectors of the economy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NANOFLOWCELL | CARSCOOPS | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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Here's the AI:RACE touted as the answer to Audi's future for sports vehicles and special racing-purposed ones

Future Sports EV As we know, this is one of the charming designs made by Audi was shown for the first time at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week in Monterey, California at the end of 2019, which was then called the Audi PB18 e-tron concept, now changed as the Audi AI:RACE. Although it was still presented as a design and technical study concept, it was touted also as the answer to Audi's future for sports variants, even for special racing-purposed vehicles.

The Audi AI:RACE was touted also as the answer to Audi's future for sports variants, even for special racing-purposed vehicles. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

If we look at its appearance, the Audi AI:RACE carries a radical sports sedan style coupled with a touch of a wagon on the rear pillar. While from the front bonnet, as we can see that it consists of many flat lines on the hood, sharing a slight curve with the gentle curve of the front and rear fender spaces. The windscreen is so wide, and the inverted trapezoid-shaped airscoop is so wide. Furthermore, there's sharp indentations in the front bumper precisely in the front braking chamber featured with air vents for cooling. The front lip spoiler is also designed to be less extreme, but still functional, no longer equipped with a mechanical connection.

The Audi AI:RACE carries a radical sports sedan style coupled with a touch of a wagon on the rear pillar. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

As quoted from the official website of Audi, the Audi AI:RACE concept was developed and born in Malibu, and regarding its characteristics, Head of Audi design, Gael Buzyn said, "We offer an experience like driving the Audi R18 in the world of racing. We put space the ideal steering wheel in the middle of the cockpit. It is not only designed for circuits, but daily use is also taken into account, because there is still space for passengers on the left and right."

The Audi AI:RACE has a unique cockpit (consisting only of the steering wheel, instrument panels, accelerator and brake pedals) which able to shift flexibly to the right and left motorically. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

From this we can clearly see that the intent of the German manufacturer in designing the Audi AI:RACE is to meet the needs of two purposes, namely the track and the highway uses, through the cockpit (consisting only of the steering wheel, instrument panels, accelerator and brake pedals) which is uniquely, and anti-mainstream designed with its default driving position in the middle to reinforce Formula 1's racing DNA. However, the position can be flexibly changed motorically to the right and left.

The Audi AI:RACE's body is made from a mixture of aluminum, carbon and composite materials, so the end result is a sports car weighing just 1,550 kg. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Meanwhile, the body is made from a mixture of aluminum, carbon and composite materials, so the end result is a sports car weighing just 1,550 kg (including the innovative and lightweight battery pack). This concept car has dimensions of 4.53 meters long, 2 meters wide, 1.15 meters high, and a wheelbase of 2.7 meters, with compact overhangs. Furthermore, the pull of a flat line and a slight curve on the body is inspired by the traditional architecture of a mid-engine racing car, then the center of gravity is placed behind the driver's seat and in front of the rear axle, so that it is considered sufficient to provide a sensational driving experience.

As we can see on the front bonnet of the Audi AI:RACE, it consists of many flat lines on the hood, sharing a slight curve with the gentle curve of the front and rear fender spaces. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

The existence of a wagon style that seems to appear thick enough on the C pillar, which is also capable of producing a fairly large storage space of up to 470 liters (that's pretty good for a sportscar variant). Then those rear compartment can be used to store helmets, other racing equipment and 2 large suitcases. The air outlets on the rear diffuser have been raised as a functional feature borrowed from the motorsport racing style. The diffuser can be mechanically moved downwards to increase downforce, as is the rear spoiler, which can also be extended rearward for the same purpose.

The Audi AI:RACE is known to be driven by three electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear, all of that generates total power of 500 kW or 670 hp with a torque of 830 Nm. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

This Audi AI:RACE concept car is known to be driven by three electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear. The first motor provides a power boost of 150 kW to the front axle, while the other two motors generate around 350 kW of power to the rear axle. So that the total power generated is 500 kW or 670 hp with a torque of 830 Nm. It's not surprising then that this concept car is able to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just over 2 seconds, only the speed that distinguishes it from the current LMP1 prototype.

Meanwhile, power is supplied from a liquid-cooled solid-state battery system having capacity of 95 kWh, which on full charge provides a range of over 500 kilometers (310.7 miles) in WLTP cycles. The German manufacturer says that the Audi AI:RACE has been designed for charging in a voltage of 800 volts. This means that the battery can be fully recharged in about 15 minutes. Besides that, it can charge via induction docking to the Audi Wireless Charging System which is placed on the garage floor. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUDI ]

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The unique doorless Enzmann 506 Spyder

Rare ONES Maybe not many are familiar with this classic roadster of 1950s. In appearance, those classic car briefly reminds us of the Porsche 356 made by a German manufacturer from the same era. Did you know if that was the Enzmann 506 Spyder known as an eye-catching door-less 2-seater roadster was manufactured by a small Swiss automaker ranging from 1957 through the late of 1960s.

The Enzmann 506 Spyder was designed and built by Dr. Emil Enzmann based on the Volkswagen Beetle, with an attractive fiberglass bodywork at his father garage. (Picture from: Pinterest)

As quoted of ConceptCarz, this Swiss unique speedster originally designed and built by Dr. Emil Enzmann, due to really want to have a nice looking sports car, but can't afford a branded one at the time. For the reason, he purchased Volkswagen Beetle, then unbolted the body shells from the floorpans, and re-fitted them with an attractive and lightweight fiberglass bodywork designed by himself, and then produced by a shipyard in Grandson on his order.

The Enzmann 506 Spyder's bodywork made of fiberglass done by known as a plastic boat builders named A.&O. Staempfli of Grandson, Switzerland. (Picture from: Porsche Galerie RS)

Well, in further developments then he founded company called the Enzmann Automobile of Schupfheim, Switzerland, with a goal to produce a more economical sports car, really easy handling and safer while running on high speed. Meanwhile for this unique speedster's bodywork then hand it over to a Grandson-based plastic boat builders named  A.&O. Staempfli.

The Enzmann 506 Spyder was produced in very limited series with the work done entirely by hand. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The Enzmann 506 Spyder was produced in very limited series with the work done entirely by hand. The fiberglass body was built inside a female model covered by a separation layer before it was saturated with a polyester resin. Once the resin hardened, the only thing left to do was sand, polish and paint the surface to manage a completely professional repair. 

The Enzmann 506 Spyder's cabin featured an integrated roll bar, safety pelvic strap and an ergonomically designed sports bucket seat. (Picture from: Porsche Galerie RS)

This unique doorless fiberglass bodied roadster debuted at the 1957 Frankfurt Auto Show, and Enzmann gave the 506 designation following his company name, it was coincidentally taken from the booth number where the automaker company exhibited the car at the auto expo.  

The doorless fiberglass bodied roadster called the Enzmann 506 Spyder debuted at the 1957 Frankfurt Auto Show. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The Enzmann 506 roadster body is extremely rigid and is entirely one piece with the exception of the gas tank and engine compartment opening, besides that it doesn't have any doors, and only indentations for the feet in the sides. Along with the full assembled vehicle, buyers could also purchase just the fiberglass bodies and do the assembly by themselves (such kind of a kit car).

Most of the Enzmann 506 Spyders powered by by the Okrasa 1,295 cc engines, while a few of them used the Porsche 356's engine. (Picture from: Porsche Galerie RS)

For its drivetrain, most of the vehicles were powered by the Okrasa 1,295 cc engines. Under the right circumstances coupled with such a light car (properly controlled suspension not withstanding) nimble handling, steering and braking, of the such engine capable made the car run up to 100 mph (160,93 kph). Later, due to the Porsche 356 engine was similar, a few Enzmann 506 Spyders changed its default engine to use this one. 

And reportedly the Swiss car company produced the unique roadster over 100 units during the production period which lasted from 1957 to 1970. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | PORSCHE GALERIE RS ]

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