Rally Legend Of course, the great car did not suddenly become, as we all know that every car unit produced by automaker must have gone through a long process ranging from concept to production, including study design, making prototype, market reasearchs and others.
An artist’s impression of what the next-generation Celica could look like. (Picture from: BestCarWeb.jp)
The Toyota Motor Corporation, one of the well-known Japanese car manufacturers had produced a tough car called Toyota Celica several decades ago, that known also was successful in racing at the World Rally Championships (WRC) during the 1970s, 1980s to 1990s.
1969 Toyota EX-1 Prototype is debuted at the 1969 Tokyo Auto Show and known as the Celica forerunner. (Picture from: ToyHeadAuto)
We also know that this Japanese manufacturer has carried out all the steps mentioned above starting in the early 1970s, before deciding to produce the Toyota Celica, while the name origin comes from the Spanish word, which means heavenly.
The 1st generation of Toyota Celica in production during 1970 to 1976. (Picture from: BestCarWeb.jp)
As quoted of MotorTrend, the Toyota's rally car legend development story started since 1969, when they launched a unique prototype called the Toyota EX-1 Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, it featured with the highly raked front glass, long snout featured with the glass louvers in the front grill, and also stylized retracting door handles.
The 2nd generation of the Toyota Celica in production during 1977 to 1980. (Picture from: BestCarWeb.jp)
Although, the Toyota EX-1 prototype needed a lot of refinement to match the regulations of the road authorities in Japan. And the results only appeared on the first pre-production of Toyota (A20) Celica in 1971.
The 3rd generation of the Toyota Celica in production during 1981 to 1984. (Picture from: BestCarWeb.jp)
The first production version of the Toyota Celica was hit the streets in Japan first, and soon became the choice of many families in Japan as their first sports car, because it has a much cheaper price than other cars that have existed before such as the Nissan Fairlady Z and others. Then it spread to Europe, before arriving in America in the middle of 1971.
The 4th generation of the Toyota Celica in production during 1985 to 1988. (Picture from: BestCarWeb.jp)
While this first generation model is offered in 4 models, namely ET, LT, ST, and FT, while offering four engine choices, namely 1,400 cc and three 1,600 cc units with different settings. For its engine power delivering system, there are three transmissions that can be selected, namely four, and five speeds manual or three-speed automatic.
The 5th generation of the Toyota Celica in production during 1989 to 1992. (Picture from: BestCarWeb.jp)
Incredibly, Toyota Celica can be customized according to the tastes of its owner, which at the same time combines machines, transmissions, and accessories become popular at that time. Meanwhile, Toyota also made many models taken from the Celica base. Call it Celica Liftback which was introduced April 1973. This model is a three -door coupe, with a cabin composition of 2+2.
The 6th generation of the Toyota Celica in production during 1993 to 1998. (Picture from: BestCarWeb.jp)
In addition there is also the Celica XX or better known as the Celica Supra for the American market. This model takes the base of the Celica Liftback with wheelbase increased of 130 mm and 270 mm long.
The 7th generation of the Toyota Celica in production during 1999 to 2006. (Picture from: BestCarWeb.jp)
In October 1986, Toyota launched the Celica GT-Four which applied a Four-Wheel drive system (4WD), and powered by a DOHC turbocharged drivetrain coded of 3S-GTEU. It was also significantly smaller outside, while still offering nearly as much room in its stylish cockpit.
An artist’s impression of what the next-generation Celica could look like. (Picture from: BestCarWeb.jp)
Because of that, the Celica skyrocketed and gained rapidly popularity as an affordable stylish coupe. So after that the Toyota Celica model continued to be developed up to 7 generations which were produced until 2006. Until now Celica has not really died, because this Japanese manufacturer still has hope to revive the model.
As reported by the BestCarWeb.jp, Toyota plans to present the Toyota Celica as a car full of technology capabilities and digitalization. In addition, Toyota Celica will be driven by renewable energy. It's just that electricity is not the only first choice considering Toyota is classified as very advanced with hydrogen technology. Hopefully all of that was not a rumour...😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORBISCUIT | BESTCARWEBJP | CARSGUIDE ]
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UniqueONES This following car could be said one of the best 1950s sportscars ever made, with its elegant lines and sleek roof line, this small Abarth Coupe has continued to cause a stir since its release at the 1951 Turin Auto Show. Not surprisingly so, since the car is the product from an Austrian born Karl Abarth's engineering skills combined with graceful styling of Giovanni Michelotti.
The Abarth 205 Vignale Berlinetta (in pictured Chassis: #205 101) while on display at the 2005 The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
As we all knew, after establishing himself as a talented engineer, three-time motorcycle champion Karl Abarth or Carlo Abarth began constructing his own cars. At the time, Abarth had been laid off from bankrupt Cisitalia, but continued to race their cars while at the same time developing his own.
Alfredo Vignale was commissioned to build the lightweight aluminium bodywork of the Abarth 205 Vignale Berlinetta (in pictured Chassis: #205 101) based on Giovanni Michelotti's beautiful designs. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
For the 1949 season, Squadra Carlo Abarth relied on the cycle-winged Cisitalia 204s to win the Formula 2 Championship for sports cars. Much more than a renamed Cisitalia, Abarth's 204 had a unique chassis and a more developed engine. The final version of this successful car was the 204A Coupe or Monza. With this coupe, Michelotti had successfully adopted his interpretation of the trend-setting Cisitalia 202.
The Abarth 205 Vignale Berlinetta (in pictured Chassis: #205 101) powered by a Fiat's four cylinder engine, fitted also with Abarth's tuning kit, which consisted of a revised intake manifold, two Weber carburettors and a bespoke exhaust. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The Abarth 205 as seen here was his first production car, and mimicked the 204A race car. Fortunately, the first production car made a victorious debut early in March of 1950 when Guido Scagliarini won the 1100 class in the Coppa InterEuropa at Monza. It fitted with a new coupe body, it was confusingly referred to as an Abarth 204A. Today it seems more likely that the car was actually the first of three Abarth 205s built around a brand new platform chassis, while the 204s used a distinctly different tubular frame.
The Abarth 205 Vignale Berlinetta (in pictured Chassis: #205 102) while on display at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Both cars do share the Fiat sourced four cylinder engine, fitted also with Abarth's tuning kit, which consisted of a revised intake manifold, two Weber carburettors and a bespoke exhaust. As the result, this tiny 1,089 cc engine produced an impressive 83 bhp. The potent drivetrain coupled with the Fiat-sourced four-speed gearbox were fitted in a very straightforward box-section steel platform chassis. Then Alfredo Vignale was commissioned to build the lightweight aluminium bodywork with three Vignale's typical portholes on the front fenders, based on Giovanni Michelotti's beautiful designs.
The Abarth 205 Vignale Berlinetta (in pictured Chassis: #205 102) fitted with an Alfa Romeo Giulietta sourced 1300 cc drivetrain. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
After its spectacular Monza debut, the 204A / 205 Coupe was shown during the 1950 Turin Motor Show. It was the first time Abarth displayed his cars at this most important show. A second example was finished shortly after and both were raced in the major Italian events that season.
The Abarth 205 Vignale Berlinetta (in pictured Chassis: #205 102) was finished shortly after the first model was shown at the the 1950 Turin Motor Show, and both were raced in the major Italian events that season. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The third example was completed early in 1951 was more luxuriously than the two racing cars appointed above. Fitted with a slightly larger version of the four cylinder engine, it was shown during the Turin shown in 1951. Prized at the level of a two-litre Ferrari, Abarth struggled to find customers for his small Coupes and in the end only three were built, each under chassis number of #205 101, #205 102, and #205 103.
The Abarth 205 Vignale Berlinetta (in pictured Chassis: #205 103) was completed early in 1951, it was built more luxurious than its two predecessor cars.(Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The huge expenses of the racing efforts weighed heavily on the fledgling company and Abarth decided it was wise to cease racing and focus on developing the successful exhaust systems for the foreseeable future. In addition to the three competition cars, Abarth also produced the fourth model much along the same lines, which would be used for a Ghia-bodied show car that debuted at Turin in 1953. The 205's chassis platform then used on few addtitional showcars, finally on the Abarth 207 racing car introduced in 1955.
Amazingly all three Abarth 205s, as well as the 1100 Sport by Ghia show car have survived and are in the hands of caring owners. They remain as the first in a long line of Abarth racing cars that made their mark on small-displacement racing for several decades. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HISTORICAUTOPRO | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]
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Rare MotorBikes At present, it is almost certain that automotive enthusiasts around the world know Harley-Davidson as an American leading motorcycle brand, which has presented so many reliable motorcycle products since it was founded in 1903 until now.
The Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck was basically a commercial load-carrier used to deliver supplies and parts. (Picture from: ClassicMoto.rs)
However, the following 2 (two) models of motorbikes made by the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer were previously unknown to many fans, so they can be categorized as super rare models. What model it is, let's see them below;
1. 1916 Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck
The first motorcycle was the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck which was produced during 1912 to 1916. As quoted from RideApart, at that time the motorcycle model was made for commercial-purposed vehicle, at the time only Harley-Davidson has; even used as the operational vehicles of postal operator in the United States.
The Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck consists of a classic motorcycle unit, and a cargo container mounted on a sidecar chassis. (Picture from: ClassicMoto.rs)
Besides that, the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck is also used by ice cream, candies traders, and many other to bring their goods to rural areas that have poor road access. As You can see, the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck was built on the concept of a motorcycle that had a special box-shaped sidecar for carrying goods. However, the large sidecar can also be removed, so that the motorbike can still be used alone for a more relaxed journey.
Recently, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer carried out a restoration on the package truck's motorbike. As the result, the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck returns to its heyday appearance consisting of one (classic) motorcycle unit plus a box-shaped sidecar painted under special pale blue color on the body with white wheels. In 2020, Bonham has auctioned off the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck with an estimated price of US $45 thousand or equivalent to Rp. 616 million.
2. 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT
It is said that Harley-Davidson first introduced the W-Series in 1936 at which time the United States was rising from adversity. As reported from Silodrome, the American motorcycle manufacturer launched the W-Series by using the largest engine volume of that era and to this day with six major variants, the W, WL, WLA, WLC, WLD, and WR.
1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT was specifically intended for road racing which necessitated the installation of a front brake. (Picture from: MotoSaigon.vn)
The WR model was the racing version, and is easily found in several classic motorcycle races today, turn out the 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT rarely seen amongst them, due to this model was produced in limited numbers at that time. The WRTT was specifically intended for road racing which necessitated the installation of a front brake, and had a number of other modifications including a close ratio 3-speed gearbox, they were often fitted with 19 inch wheels and road racing tires as opposed to tires intended for use on dirt ovals.
1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT appeared in a representative Tourish Trophy racing model under a special orange finish. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Until now not much was known about the remaining population of this model, so many creative fans are trying hard to revive this model. Finally, one of these 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTTs successfully restored, and was set up for auction at Bonhams back in 2020. The mentioned motorbike appeared in a representative Tourish Trophy racing model under a special orange finish. In addition with a minimalist body, the motorcycle also powered by a 740 cc V-Twin engine that could be driven up to 160 kph.
1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT is powered by a 740 cc V-Twin engine that could be driven up to 160 kph. (Picture from: MotoSaigon.vn)
The 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT also featured a very rare MR3 Linkert carburetor, a Jack Tracey windscreen, a single seat plus a chin pad. Furthermore, this motorbike got racing livery number 82 which was used by several famous racers such Joseph Holoubek and Harland Zobel. After being restored, this super rare motorbike was auctioned with estimated prices ranging from US $ 60,000 - $ 70,000 or equivalent to Rp. 823 million - Rp. 960 million.
New BEAST Recently, BYD, one of the leading automakers from China was launched its newest luxury car brand, named YangWang. At the time, the Chinese brand also exhibits an electric-powered supercar named YangWang U9, which is expected to be a rival of the European supercars, and also to attract deep pocket consumers.
The YangWang U9 supercar is claimed capable to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in just 2 seconds. (Picture from: Jalopnik)
With the emergence of this new supercar figure, it shows that China's automotive technology is indeed developing very rapidly. The proof is that this YangWang U9 supercar is claimed capable to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in just 2 seconds. Extraordinary! This is reasonable, bearing in mind that BYD is one of the largest battery and electric car manufacturers in China, even in the world.
The YangWang U9 large-sized C-shaped LED headlights, which is like connected directly to the ventilation above the hood. (Picture from: Otomotif-SindoNews)
Now through its luxury EV brand, YangWang which has a unique tagline of "Bridge of Time and Space" to described its images, as they tried to embody into design language, then transformed into a real-car named the YangWang U9. In our opinion, its appearance looks like a cross between the McLaren P1 and Sin R1, coupled with its two-door's style looks very sporty and futuristic. What do you think?
The YangWang U9 large-sized C-shaped LED headlights also made the car appeared like an F1 car with the ventilation on the fender also made stands out. (Picture from: Otomotif-SindoNews)
At the front, there're large-sized C-shaped LED headlights, which is like connected directly to the ventilation above the hood. Besides that these headlights also made the car appeared like an F1 car with the ventilation on the fender also made stands out. Meanwhile, at the back, the YangWang U9 has massive fins and a diffuser.
The YangWang U9's rear has a uniqueness of the transparent fin that sticks out of the rear glass that similar like to Lamborghini engine cover, coupled with the super wide LED lights. (Picture from: Otomotif-SindoNews)
While on the side, there are black accents next to its air intakes, as if creating a two-tone black and yellow feel. Another uniqueness is the transparent fin that sticks out of the rear glass that similar like to Lamborghini engine cover, coupled with the super wide LED lights at the back also impress the luxury and distinctive design of a supercar.
The automaker is claimed the YangWang U9 capable to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 2 seconds. Only 0.1 seconds slower than its compatriot rival named GAC Aion Hyper SSR. Unfortunately, BYD did not disclose the power output, but the car manufacturer claims that they use a technology called "Yisifang" to drive its 4 electric motors.
BYD also presented another car will be produced soon, ie. a plug-in hybrid off-road SUV named the YangWang U8. (Picture from: Jalopnik)
Interestingly, this supercar is not just a concept car or study design on the paper. However, it is completely ready to be produced and sold. The price itself is very affordable for the size of a supercar, around US $145,340 or approx of Rp. 2.2 billion. Not only that, on the same occasion, BYD previously also presented another car will be produced soon, ie. a plug-in hybrid off-road SUV named the YangWang U8. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | CNEVPOST ]
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New ICON Technological advances that have developed very rapidly lately can make something that initially only exist in the fictional world then be realized to the real world. As an illustration, in the past we could only see the figure of Herbie (a cutie 1963 VW Beetle that can talk) or KITT (a smart car with a number of capabilities because supported by advanced technology) only through a movie or television.
The BMW iVision Dee concept is a fully electric vehicle empowered by empathetic technology and future-forward design. (Picture from: TopGear)
And now such a kind of car is getting closer to reality, after BMW Group presented its newest concept car called the BMW iVision Dee Concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 held in Las Vegas on January 4, 2023. While DEE stands for Digital Emotional Experience, and through this concept car, BMW intends to show the potential of digitalization which can turn vehicles into a smart companion.
The BMW iVision Dee (on the left) posed along with the legendary 1963 VW Beetle 'Herbie' (on the middle), and the KITT (on the right) at the CES 2023 in Las Vegas. (Picture from: Caricos)
Judging from its design, this futuristic concept car intended to be a preview of the next generation of BMW electric-powered vehicles to be released in 2025. Or in other words, this concept car is likened to a window to see into the company's Neue Klasse architectural platform. Overall this concept car has a design similar like BMW production cars that came out in the 80s to 90s for example the BMW 8 Series E31 and there are also some design cues that take from the M1.
The BMW iVision Dee (on the right) posed along with its predecessor concept of the 2021 BMW iVision Circular (on the left). (Picture from: Caricos)
In appearance, the BMW iVision Dee Concept is a mid-size sedan featuring the "peeled down design language," which will likely be seen three years from now on the BMW i3 sedan. Furthermore, this iVision Dee Concept adopts a harmonious blend of traditional and fresh futuristic styles as seen on a kind of BMW's kidney styled front grill design, dual headlights, and of course the distinctive Hofmeister Kink curves.
The
BMW iVision Dee's front fascia looks very similar to the BMW iVision Circular Concept that was launched in September 2021. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Interestingly, the styling of this concept car's front fascia looks very similar to the BMW iVision Circular Concept that was launched in September 2021. Where the BMW iVision Dee Concept is depicted with short overhangs highlighting the packaging benefits of a special electric car platform by maximizing the length of the wheelbase for a more spacious cabin.
The
BMW iVision Dee adopts a harmonious blend of traditional and fresh futuristic styles as seen on a kind of BMW's kidney styled front grill design, dual headlights, and of course the distinctive Hofmeister Kink curves. (Picture from: BMW.co.uk)
Furthermore this conceptual EV has a clean side profile with no door handles or mirror caps, along with minimalist wheels painted yellow to match the body accents. While, the rear of the concept car is also unique in that its base taillights are mounted high, while the bumper takes up most of the rear.
As part of the welcome scenario, an avatar image of the driver can be projected onto the side window of the BMW iVision Dee concept car. (Picture from: TopGear)
Even the BMW emblem has been simplified, and look like a white sticker, with the headlights and grille blending together to create a "physical icon." According to the Munich-based brand, this is possible thanks to E-Ink technology which is able to combine a physical and digital forms onto a uniform surface that can change its appearance, while allowing it to change colors instantly (offered up to 32 different colors) like a chameleon. Wow, that's great this car can change colors!
The futuristic Head Up Display (HUD) on the windshield of the BMW iVision Dee is operated by BMW Mixed Reality Slider technology. (Picture from: BMW.co.uk)
And the BMW iVision Dee Concept still has another interesting features, ie an ability to interact and communicate with the occupants inside the cabin, where this car can express moods and bring up facial expressions and even talk like a friend. As part of the welcome scenario, an avatar image of the driver can be projected onto the side window. Maybe this interesting feature is far better than the one in the cutie Herbie or even the KITT.
The BMW iVision Dee's rear is also unique in that its base taillights are mounted high, while the bumper takes up most of the rear-section. (Picture from: BMW.co.uk)
As You can see inside, all conventional buttons and switches have been removed, nor is there any sign of the iDrive controller that is commonly found in today's BMW car models. Instead, there's an advanced technology called BMW Mixed Reality Slider coupled with touch-sensitive sensors on the instrument panel to control a large head-up display (HUD) that spans the entire width of the windshield, in which there are five selectable modes that allow the driver to choose how much content to display on the HUD.
The BMW iVision Dee capable to change the exterior color up to 32 different colors by using a sophisticated technology called E-Ink. (Picture from: BMW.co.uk)
On the steering wheel, as unconventional as the rest of the car. The steering wheel has vertical touchpoints (BMW calls them "phygital") to control content projected onto the windshield by the expansive HUD. BMW says this advanced HUD will be implemented on its first production EV model in 2025 which is built based on the Neue Klasse architecture. Furthermore the windows can be dimmed to “drop reality out” and make the interior feel more immersive.
Unfortunately, not all details about the BMW iVision Dee Concept that is revealed yet, and another additional ones will be released later this year, when the German automaker shares some of the actual technical specifications, such as its powersource, drivetrain and others. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW.CO.UK | BMWBLOG | BIZCRAST | TOPGEAR | CARSCOOPS | ID.MOTOR1 ]
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New EVHonda Motor Company as one of the major players in the world's automotive industry seems to be very serious about working on the automotive market in China. And recently the Japanese giant automaker introduced its newest electric-powered concept car, called the Honda e:N2 Concept at the 5th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, China held in November 2022.
The Honda e: N2 Concept is made by combining elements of maximum driving sensation and combining the feeling between the driver into one with the vehicle.. (Picture from: NMAA)
As we already know, this new electric-powered concept car is the second of the e:N Series, which is known a special brand of Honda's electric-powered vehicles (EV) for the Chinese domestic market. Previously, in April 2022, the Japanese autmaker introduced its first series, the Honda e:N1 Concept. So, for the Honda e:N2 Concept is made by combining elements of maximum driving sensation and combining the feeling between the driver into one with the vehicle.
The appearance of the Honda e:N2 Concept is very futuristic with a glossy black color.. (Picture from: NMAA)
The exterior design of this concept car is both sharp and dynamic as can be seen from the body lines and the selection of car body colors that feature metallic elements. Meanwhile for its interior design is kept simple, bringing comfort to passengers and the driver. There is also a digital-based cockpit equipped with Honda Connect technology.
Toshihiro Mibe posed along with the Honda e:N2 Concept and its development team. (Picture from: SindoNews)
Unfortunately so far the details of its drivetrain specifications have not been revealed yet. Information on when the product will be sold has not been further informed by the Japanese manufacturer.
The appearance of the Honda e:N2 Concept is very futuristic with a glossy black color.. (Picture from: SindoNews)
According to Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., the Honda e:N2 Concept continues the basic values of the company products which prioritize driving pleasure. While in China, Honda will continue to present electric-powered vehicles in line with the growing market demand for electric-based vehicles to support people's mobility.
As for the global, Honda has already announced its plan to launch up to 30 electric-powered cars by 2030, with production volumes reaching 2 million units annually. In addition, the Japanese automaker is also trying to achieve carbon neutrality for all its product lines and company activities by 2050. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HONDA GLOBAL | CARSCOOPS ]
As reported by the BestCarWeb.jp, Toyota plans to present the Toyota Celica as a car full of technology capabilities and digitalization. In addition, Toyota Celica will be driven by renewable energy. It's just that electricity is not the only first choice considering Toyota is classified as very advanced with hydrogen technology. Hopefully all of that was not a rumour...😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORBISCUIT | BESTCARWEBJP | CARSGUIDE ]
