Nissan
officially introduced the 2024 Nissan GT-R in Japan, and features with
new front-rear fascias coupled with a revised grille and optimized
wings. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Finally, now in this year of 2023, the Japanese automaker just introduced the 2024 Nissan GT-R in Japan. In appearance, this new model looks identical to the previous one, but Nissan has changed a few details to make it more dashing. As we all can see, the Nissan GT-Rfeatures new front and rear fascias, coupled with a revised grille and optimized wings.
The Japanese automaker said, even though it seemed minor, it was able to improve aerodynamics. As quoted fromCarscoops, the Japanese automaker said that some of these changes were able to increase downforce when the car was going fast. However, the car's drag coefficient remains unchanged at 0.26.
The Nissan GT-R Premium T-spec wears gold-painted 20-inch Rays rims and is also supported by carbon ceramic brakes taken from the GT-R Nismo. (Picture from: Otomotif-Kompas)
As for the design of the front grille, which has also been tweaked. Nissan engineers said that they were using a thinner design to improve cooling and reduce drag as well. Meanwhile the rear wing design is 10 percent larger than before. Another detail is that the Nissan's flagship sports car is now equipped with a new front lip, rear diffuser and canards. This model also offers a Nismo exclusive color known as Stealth Grey.
Apart from the Nissan GT-R, the Japanese car manufacturer also offers other two higher versions, namely the Nissan GT-R Premium T-spec and GT-R Nismo. All these two models are built on top of the GT-R Premium T-spec and got finishing in the Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple colors. The difference is that the GT-R Premium T-spec uses the Rays 20 inches rims with a layer of gold paint. The car is also supported by carbon ceramic brakes sourced from the GT-R Nismo.
The GT-R Nismo uses an upgraded version of the VR38DETT engine and produces around 600 hp of power and 651 Nm of torque. (Picture from: Otomotif-Kompas)
The Nissan GT-R, and GT-R Premium T-spec are powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing power of 565 hp and 632 Nm of torque. This power is sent to an all-wheel drive system by using a six-speed dual clutch transmission.
Meanwhile the GT-R Nismo uses an upgraded version of the VR38DETT engine and produces around 600 hp of power and 651 Nm of torque. The car is also equipped with a new slip differential at the front wheels as well as improved "suspension adjustment". *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN | CARSCOOPS ]
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UniqueONES How sad we are when we are forgotten, but there are many ways we can do so that we can continue to be remembered. One way is to create something different or something that has never been made before. This is also what many companies have done in the past such as by creating one great attention-grabbing supercar as their best effort to offer the products to the market.
The Wolfrace Sonic debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 1981, which immediately attracted the attention of the world automotive public at that time. (Picture from: ViaRetro)
It turns out that this effort is not only carried out by car manufacturers, but also by other companies. For example, in the early 1980s, there's a British alloy wheel manufacturer Wolfrace Wheels Ltd. released a one-of-a-kind supercar called the Wolfrace Sonic. As quoted from Hotcars, this eye-catching concept car was created as the company's intention to showcase its new range of Sonic alloy wheels at the time.
The
Wolfrace Sonic was created as the company's intention to showcase its new range of Sonic alloy wheels at the time. (Picture from: ViaRetro)
For such reason, Wolfrace Managing Director Barry Treacy then contacted a creative car builder Nick Butler to create the Sonic, a wild six-wheeled supercar concept powered by two Rover V8 engines, lifted a design of the Batmobile, and an automotive oddity lived there. This unique car's designer was more widely known as an aeronautical engineer with credits for the Harrier Jump Jet, and Hawk aircrafts. As a result, Wolfrace weird looks vehicle unlike anything else on the road, if we ignore the Batmobile.
The Wolfrace Sonic is a wild six-wheeled supercar concept powered by two Rover V8 engines, lifted a design of the Batmobile, and an automotive oddity lived there. (Picture from: ViaRetro)
The unique two-seater supercar has a long nose, and aerodynamic designs which fuses the Adam West's Batmobile with those grittier cars that followed such as the Tumbler. Meanwhile the construction work of this wild designed supercar was completed in about 2 years with a total cost of production around £100,000, that includes the bodywork shape, interior layout, colors and materials that give the car its unique appeal.
The Wolfrace Sonic is designed by Nick Butler, and had a moulded GRP bodyshell built on a space frame chassis. (Picture from: ViaRetro)
As quoted from AllCarIndex, the Wolfrace Sonic took the shape in stages, due to the complexity of the work, where each new element posing problems that had to be tackled, many in areas where only speculation existed before, so added to the design element was extensive development programme for both components and concepts. Well, originally the Sonic only existed in the imagination was then realized into the real world by bringing all the uniqueness that surrounds it, such as instead of one engine, it has two, instead of four wheels, this car has six.
The Wolfrace Sonic is not only an ordinary showcar, it's road-legal to drive in public roads due to it was registered in UK, and has plate number of YNK 135X. (Picture from: Sixmania.fr)
The combination of art and technology succeeded in delivering the Sonic shape that is said to be able to convey ideas of air flow and penetration dramatically. As the result, it was set that Nick Butler's imaginative design was inline to become the futuristic showcar of Wolfrace Wheels.
The
Wolfrace Sonic is fitted with two pairs of 13-inches wheels up front, and
a pair of specially cast 15-inches rims at the back, all shod with
Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)
While regarding to the vehicles name was tied in with its primary advert Sonic, the flagship model alloy wheel that produced by those British alloy wheel manufacturer at the time (that later to be sold to Ford and used on the XR2 range). As you can see, the Sonic white alloy wheels is featured with 12 holes drilled into their frame, most likely inspired by the Lamborghini Countach wheels.
When the Wolfrace Sonic cockpit fairing was opened; so the steering wheel moved up and allow anybody to get in and out. (Picture from: Sixmania.fr)
The Wolfrace Sonic cockpits were stuffed full of buttons while the instrumentation in front of the driver was duplicated for the passenger, so they could be even more scared by what was going on around them. Then there was the fact that the driver's cockpit was so compact, that the 11.5-inches steering wheel was too big to allow anybody to get in and out.
The Wolface Sonic cockpits were stuffed full of buttons while the instrumentation in front of the driver was duplicated for the passenger. (Picture from: Sixmania.fr)
The solution to this latter problem was to fit a sliding splined steering column with an assortment of universal joints, so the steering wheel moved up and out of the way as the cockpit fairing was opened. The other problems were solved by fitting various spiroid gearboxes and universal joints, which fed the steering input around the V8s and to a Rover SD1 rack.
The Wolfrace Sonic is powered by two 3.5-liter Rover V8 engines, and controlled by a complicated drive-by-wire system. (Picture from: Hotcars)
How about its performance? Surely, under the Sonic name, the Wolfrace's unique supercar has the ability to run up to the speed of sound. Especially, its drivetrain specifications placed in between the rear and front axles are impressive with two 3.5-liter Rover V8 engines, controlled by a complicated drive-by-wire system.
The second copy of the Wolfrace Sonic is built shortly after the original ones has been sold in 2015. (Picture from: Sixmania.fr)
However, the power burst sits only at 320 horsepower with a torque of around 295.02 lb-ft, not to mention its weight which is quite heavy of around 3,000 lbs, so the unique-shaped car is not able to produce good acceleration time. In fact, the Sonic took about 7 seconds to accelerate from rest to 62 mph, and likely had a top speed of around 150 mph. Underneath the Batmobile-style looks, there was a spaceframe chassis, with rear-wheel drive through a Jaguar rear axle and differential.
The Wolfrace Sonic (in pictured the second copy) built based on a spaceframe chassis, with rear-wheel drive through a Jaguar rear axle and differential. (Picture from: Sixmania.fr)
This car was completed in September 1980, and then debuted at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show, which immediately attracted the attention of the world automotive public at that time, besides that the Sonic also managed to make the similar six-wheeled car like the Panther 6 of 1977 seen old-fashioned.
Which do you think is more interesting between 1981 Wolfrace Sonic and 1977 Panther 6? (Picture from: Trussty-Jasmine)
Uniquely, the Sonic is not only an ordinary
showcar, it's road-legal to drive in public roads due to it was
registered in UK, and has plate number of YNK 135X. As the result, Wolfrace achieved what it set out to, to get the alloy wheels company more attention. Since that the Sonic made regular appearances on the motor show circuit for a couple of years before disappearing out of view.
The second copy of the Wolfrace Sonic is built shortly after the original ones has been sold in 2015. (Picture from: Sixmania.fr)
Reportedly in 2010, the original Sonic car reappeared and went up for sale for an exorbitant price of around £1 million. Eventually in 2015 the original car came up for sale again on eBay. Selling for around £18,100, this ultra rare car disappeared once more. Instead, Wolfrace built a red-colored second copy. Much speculation related to why this unique car is sold at such a price. According to Sixmania.fr, when the car was sold in 2015 it was in such poor condition (the car that could no longer drive due to broken computers) that it needed a complete restoration to get it back to its former glory.
For this reason, the owner at that time whose felt unable to bear the restoration cost and then let it go with such of prices, in the hope that the new owner would be able to carry out the restoration process that would be needed lot money. We can only hope that one day the Sonic will return to greet the world's automotive enthusiasts like its glory days then. Let's wait and see.😲 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WOLFRACE | NICK BUTLER | HOTCARS | ALLCARINDEX | VIARETRO | ARONLINE | BELOW THE RADAR | SIXMANIA.FR ]
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NEXT EV As we all know, Peugeot is a global and inventive top-of-the-range generalist brand. The French automotive brand is present in more than 130 countries, and has managed to sell more than 1,200,000 vehicles worldwide in 2021.
The Peugeot Inception Concept presented the automaker's vision for the future of electric cars, and built on one of Stellantis' four BEV-by-design platforms in the future. (Picture from: Engadget)
This French's famous car brands, has ensured that 2023 will be its electric year which also serves as a sign of the transformation of this Stellantis subsidiary by launching of the Peugeot Inception Concept at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Peugeot’s designers chose this size to highlight the design features of the Inception Concept, including the flowing curves of the bodywork, and the interactive display belt around the car. (Picture from: Engadget)
The Peugeot Inception Concept will showcase the huge leap the brand will soon make in focusing on fully electric vehicle offerings. This newest Peugeot concept built on one of Stellantis' four BEV-by-design platforms in the future. With the presence of the Inception at this annual event, Peugeot has presented its vision for the future of electric cars.
The
Peugeot Inception Concept offers a new vision of a vehicle interior
with laid back and elongated seating positions. The seats are said to
feature adjustable cushioning around the shoulders. (Picture from: TheDetroitBureau)
In
appearance, the latest concept car from the French manufacturer comes
with all the sharp angles and lines with panoramic glass windows
surrounding the centerpiece, paired with a glass roof. Peugeot says the body colors are made of very fine metallic pigments.
The
Peugeot Inception Concept has a large panoramic screen slides out from the floor to offer a new passenger compartment experience. (Picture from: TheDetroitBureau)
In
the headlights on the front bumper, the manufacturer combines the three
claws of the brand's emblem. Meanwhile, for power, the Peugeot's EV concept uses an 800 volt,
100 kWh battery which can cover a distance of 800 km on a single charge.
The Peugeot Inception Concept features Steer-by-Wire replacing the traditional steering wheel with a Hypersquare digital controller. (Picture from: TheDetroitBureau)
As quoted of Engadget, this EV concept car is equipped with a high-tech battery system that is claimed to be able to suck up enough power to travel as far as 150 km (93 miles) within five minutes after being plugged in to recharge. While in terms of power, the Inception
is powered by two electric motors, which said can produce a combined
power of up to 680 horsepower and give it the ability to accelerate from
0 to 100 kph in less than 3 seconds.
The Peugeot Inception Concept has an 800-volt electric system and a 100 kilowatt-hour battery with an output of 680 hp.(Picture from: EuropeAutoNews)
Besides that the concept also marks the brand's next-gen cockpit debut, as
you have a comfortable cabin with passengers sitting in classic NASA
neutral zero gravity posture. It's natural to take breaks when you
travel, so the Inception Concept is planned to be equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.
Besides that, it replaces the classic steering wheel with a rectangular one called Hypersquare, which comes with a tablet-type screen in the center that can display information. There are circular recesses in each corner of the screen that users can program to control certain aspects of their vehicle, so they can easily use their fingers to access them without having to take their hands off the wheel.
Peugeot says the Inception will inspire future electric vehicles, including its most compact models. It is said that the first cars based on the design will arrive as early as 2025. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | ENGADGET | EUROPEAUTONEWS | THEDETROITBUREAU ]
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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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Meanwhile the GT-R Nismo uses an upgraded version of the VR38DETT engine and produces around 600 hp of power and 651 Nm of torque. The car is also equipped with a new slip differential at the front wheels as well as improved "suspension adjustment". *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN | CARSCOOPS ]
