Track BEAST In the world of motorsport, especially in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), there are many well-known automotive brands competing in it. And one of them is the Stuttgart-based auto manufacturer Porsche, which so far is known as the ruler of the race, and this German brand last competed in the 2017 season.
Porsche hopes to reach the FIA WEC's top podium through the Porsche 963 LMDh prototype. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
This year, Porsche returns to the top-tier category of the FIA WEC Hypercar class by relying on the Porsche 963 racing car. From its name, you can guess that Porsche wants to repeat the glory of the Porsche 962 in the Group C of the 1980s, which won the 24-Hours of Le Mans three times. and the 24-Hours of Daytona five times.
The Porsche 963 LMDh prototype has a unique appereance when viewed from the front with the presence of a series of thin headlight design consisting of 64 LEDs like the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
By the way, this is very different when compared to an Italian auto brand Ferrari, which chose the LMH type, whose at the same time developed its car independently from scratch, instead Porsche decided to adopt the LMDh type which called as 'thrifty packages'. Why is it called like that? Because in mentioned type of car, the manufacturer practically only needs to prepare the engine and face looks identified to the chassis specs made by one of the 4 selected constructors, ie Multimatic, Oreca, Dallara and Ligier.
The Porsche 963 LMDh prototype takes inspiration from the iconic Porsche racing cars of the 1980s, namely the 956 and 962. (Picture from: CintaMobil)
Well for the Porsche 963, this German car manufacturer has teamed up with Multimatic as the constructor which has been a reliable supplier for the LMP2 and DPi categories since 2017. Presumably, Porsche is still traumatized by its experience with the Porsche 919 Hybrid in the LMP1 during the 2014 to 2017 seasons. At that time the battle between Porsche, Audi, and Toyota in the LMP1 had caused racing costs skyrocket which were not matched by the return on investment from the exposure side.
The Porsche 963's hybrid system, which is standard on all LMDh cars, utilizes a motor generator unit (MGU) mounted on the rear axle to harvest kinetic energy under braking, and then stores that energy using a lithium-ion battery to aid in propulsion later. (Picture from: Porsche)
It is said that to finance its 919 Hybrid program, Porsche is spending a budget equivalent to a mid-table F1 team. As a result, Audi and Porsche preferred to back off and leave Toyota alone on the track. Now, with the LMDh-efficient package, it is hoped that racing costs can be reduced by up to 80 percent.
As the kitchen spur of the Porsche 963 LMDh prototype used an updated 4,600 cc V8 unit inherited from the Porsche RS Spyder hybrid racing car. (Picture from: Porsche)
As the kitchen spur, Porsche chose a 4,600 cc V8 unit inherited from the Porsche RS Spyder racing car that had competed 20 years ago. The engine has been rejuvenated, then mated with Bosch-made hybrid system to be able to produce a total power of 700 hp to be channeled to the rear wheels.
The Porsche 963 LMDh prototype built incollaboration between Porsche with Multimatic as the constructor which has been a reliable supplier for the LMP2 and DPi categories since 2017. (Picture from: Porsche)
This is in accordance with what was conveyed by Thomas Laudenback, the boss of Porsche Motorsport, that the machine is not such an old machine because it has undergone the addition of three fundamental things, namely; the engine got a structural updated, the second is designed for sustainable fuel and lastly, it also got a turbocharged system.
The Porsche 963 LMDh prototypeunder the racing livery of the Porsche Penske Motorsports team. (Picture from: MotoMobiNews)
While from its appearance when viewed from the side and rear, the Porsche 963 is indeed seems like an ordinary LMP type of car. The difference is only visible when viewed from the front with the presence of a series of thin headlight design consisting of 64 LEDs like the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo. Presumably Porsche prefers a Taycan-style facial identity to represent its modern concept rather than the looks of usual Porsche sports car.
The Porsche's three racing cars in posed togather including the Porsche 963 (center) with the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo (left) and the Porsche Mission R (right). (Picture from: CintaMobil)
Even though the German's brand prefers the LMDh type of car, that doesn't mean that Porsche has set a humble target. Because the German manufacturer hopes that the Porsche 963 capable to bring home the 20th titles of Le Mans for them.
The Hertz Jota will be the first private team in the 6-Hours of Spa-Francorchamps using the Porsche 963 LMDh prototype. (Picture from: CintaMobil)
Indeed that is not impossible, because on its debut in the IMSA 24-Hours of Daytona series, the Porsche 963 managed to finish P7, while its debut at the FIA WEC 1000 Miles of Sebring was in P5. Then followed by the 3rd podium at the FIA WEC 6-Hours of Portimão and a maiden win at the IMSA Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Turn out, there's another interesting thing about the Porsche 963, that the race car is also available for private teams, and Hertz Jota will be the first LMDh's private team in the 6-Hours of Spa-Francorchamps series held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 which raced along with the factory team Porsche Penske Motorsports. Meanwhile at the IMSA arena, JDC Miller MotorSports will use the Porsche 963 at the Laguna Seca in this May. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PORSCHE | FIAWEC | ID.MOTOR1 | MOTORMOBILE.NET | DAILYSPORTSCAR | RACECARENGINEERING ]
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RareONES Here comes another iconic car from England that existed in the 1970s, its name is TVR Trident was designed by a British designer of Italian descent named Trevor Frost or Trevor Fiore as he was known to some, and built by the Italian's coachwork company Carrozzeria Fissore for the British automotive company TVR in before-and-then Martin Lilley'sera during the 1960s to early of the 1970s.
1965 TVR Trident prototype no.3 in coupé style with righ handed steering wheel. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
As the Tridents were nothing like a TVR had ever been; in some respect, it has some kind of visionary shape have appeared decade ahead of their time by resembling more an eighties' TVR 350i Coupe than a classic one. Besides that the TVR concept car looks thick with an Italian car style, and completed with a modern pop-up headlights as well.
1965 TVR Trident prototype no.4 in convertible style with righ handed steering wheel. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
As you can see the car has typical 'wedge' bodywork was steel with a one-piece aluminum bonnet, and built on top of the chassis of the Grantura Mark III. While its power came from a 4.7 liter Ford Cobra V8 engine developing 270 bhp, with the wheels were Dunlop 72 spokes.
1965 TVR Trident prototype no.1 in coupé style with left handed steering wheel while sat on display at the Geneva Motor Show 1965. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
There were a total of 4 units of the TVR Trident prototype
built during 1964 to 1965. As the firstly commissioned by the British auto company were two coupé units (no. 1 and no. 2) built based on a Grantura/Griffith chassis, and were finished just in time before the 1965 Geneva Motor Show.
1965 TVR Trident (in pictured prototype no.3) looks thick with an Italian car style, and completed with a modern pop-up headlights as well. (Picture from: 2Drive.ru)
In March 1965, the British automaker presented this newTrident model in coupé version at the Geneva Motor Show, the car exhibited was incomplete mechanically and not quite to
production specification in certain other respects, a demonstration car
is doing the rounds. At the back is an enormous expanse of windows set
at a rakish angle. It is all very striking, if unlikely to suit the
majority taste.
1965 TVR Trident (in pictured prototype no.3) has typical 'wedge' bodywork was steel with a one-piece aluminum bonnet, and built on top of the chassis of the Grantura Mark III. (Picture from: 2Drive.ru)
However the new TVRs got a warm welcome from the motoring press, and according
to the Daily Mail, the Trident was the most beautiful car in the world. After the exhibition, TVR received orders worth over £150,000. One of major dealers from Woodbridge named W.J. 'Bill' Last saw this opportunity and encouraged TVR to remake the Trident prototype.
1965 TVR Trident (in pictured prototype no.3) has a fairly luxurious interior layout coupled with righ handed steering wheel. (Picture from: 2Drive.ru)
In short, TVR ordered two more Tridents from the
Fissore workshops, this time a coupe (no. 3) and a convertible (no. 4). So these two cars were then exhibited at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, and later used as test cars to explore the possibility of further development of the
Trident.
1965 TVR Trident (in pictured prototype no.3) powered by a 4.7 liter Ford Cobra V8 engine developing 270 bhp. (Picture from: 2Drive.ru)
However, the Trident never reached serial production as TVR was soon overwhelmed by the financial crisis that caused it to go bankrupt and then take over by the Lilley family. With the company in liquidation, projects and rights to build the car were taken over by Bill Last who founded a new company in Woodbridge, Trident Cars.
1965 TVR Trident (in pictured prototype no.3) has such an enormous expanse of windows set at a rakish angle. (Picture from: 2Drive.ru)
ForgottenONES This long-forgotten unique wavy long snout carriage suddenly caught our attention when it displayed on a Twitter status of Quirky Rides. As we all know that the '70s up to '80s known as the Malaise era in which we could be seen many cars displayed the fusion of an old and the new styles, specifically with the 1930s designs and lines, as it applied on the Stutz Blackhawk, the Excalibur, the Clénet, the Zimmer, and many others.
The
Kanzler Coupe was designed by Ernie Kanzler Jr. and built based on a
Lincoln chassis and, oddly enough, the passenger compartment derived
from the Opel GT. (Picture from: QuirkyRides's Twitter ststus)
Now, we would like to discuss about similar car that we've found on internet called the Kanzler Coupe. It was a limited-edition luxury motorized vehicle built by Newport Coachworks in Costa Mesa, California. As you could be seen on the advertisement had appeared in several 1978 issues of Hemmings Motor News, one as below, featuring an elegant pencil sketch instead of a photograph.
This is a limited-edition luxury car Kanzler Coupe was once owned by Liberace specifically fitted with a little grille on the nose. (Picture from: NormPost.ru)
Did you know that this Coupe was designed by Ernie Kanzler Jr., the son of Ernie Kanzler Sr., an old executive at the Ford Motor Company and brother-in-law of Edsel Ford. Out of context, there is an interesting story about Ernie Kanzler Sr. together with Edsel Ford, sometime in the mid-1920s they both pushed for the company to build a replacement for the Ford Model-T, as its market share was dwindling at the time. Instead of accepting the idea, Henry Ford was outraged and ultimately caused Kanzler’s early ouster from the company.
The Kanzler Coupe's advertisement had appeared in several 1978 issues of Hemmings Motor News. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Meanwhile the Kanzler Coupe was built by Newport Coachworks, an American automotive company founded by J. Alan Rowland in 1978. Furthermore, the unique car used a Mercury Cougar's 5,700 cc V8 engine bolted on a Lincoln chassis and, oddly enough, the passenger compartment derived from the Opel GT.
The Kanzler Coupe (in pictured the car unit once owned by Liberace) featured with wavy, long snout coupled and fitted with Zenith spoke wheels.(Picture from: BangShift)
Apart from that, the rest of the bodywork is manufactured from fiberglass and fitted with Zenith spoke wheels with central locking. The interior is full of luxury, with lots of wood and leather and convenience accessories such as air conditioning and power steering. With all the features installed on the car, it's no wonder that the total weight is around 2,000 kg.
The Kanzler Coupe (unit in pictured was resided in Cali, and offered $48,000) is nearly 50" longer, 15"
wider thanks to the huge running boards, and thanks to the underlying
Lincoln chassis, the wheelbase is stretched from 95.1" to 120.4". (Picture from: OpelGT)
The machine is capable of spitting out power up to 300 hp which is then sent to drive the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic gearbox, so this car can run up to a maximum speed of 125 mph, and in 1980, it was priced started from $ 65,000 to $73,000.
The Kanzler Coupe (in pictured the car unit once owned by Liberace) is powered bay a Ford 5,700 cc V8 engine, with about 300 hp, and power sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic gearbox. (Picture from: NormPost.ru)
This car was first presented to the public on April 2, 1979, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in New York, at the time the automotive company based in Costa Mesa, California planned to produce as many as 250 units per year. Too bad, it is not known how many cars the company has produced.
One of the Kanzler Coupe units found in a landfill and offered for sale on eBay recently. (Picture from: Motor24.pt)
Decades later, the Kanzler Coupe never found a huge audience, and looking at various references, only five are known ever produced and left less than three units survived to this day. Two of these were sold to clients, including the world's famous entertainer Liberace, and the third was never sold or registered and disappeared from the sights. As quoted from BangShift, the silver colored Kanzler Coupe was once owned by the world's famous entertainer Liberace specifically fitted with a little grille on the nose.
This Kanzler Coupe once offered for $ 105,000 on the eBay page back in 2015.(Picture from: BangShift)
Still quoted from BangShift, meanwhile the white Kanzler Coupe above was offered on the eBay page at the time (2015) for around $105,000. Really yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, you just read $105,000! Wow.... Unfortunately not known whether the car sold?😎
The Kanzler Coupe's sales brochure had appeared during the car debut in 1979. (Picture from: Motor24.pt)
And recently, the third unit of the Kanzler Coupe that was thought to have been lost, was eventually found back in a landfill and offered for sale on eBay, not knowing its history until then. Although the condition is apprehensive, especially on the inside, but quite complete. As quoted from Motor24pt, the asking price is $10,399, or about €9,700. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | QUIRKY RIDES | OPELGT FORUM | HEMMINGS | BANGSHIFT | MOTOR24.PT | NORMPOST.RU ]
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Track BEAST A new racing derivative returns presented by the Ford Motor Company with a number of significant performance improvements and is the last of its kind as well, named the 2023 Ford GT Mk IV. It is the latest track-only model to offer superior aerodynamic design, extreme performance along with a very sharp handling as fitted on the American legendary Le Mans winning cars.
2023 Ford GT Mk IV is the latest track-only model to offer superior aerodynamic design, extreme performance along with a very sharp handling as fitted on the American legendary Le Mans winning carsatest. (Picture from: KabarOto)
This American automaker said that the appearance of the sports car which only existed in a limited number of 67 units was intended to honor the original racing legend 1967 Ford GT40 Mk IV. By representing the ultimate and most extreme track that only the Ford GT has, the latest Ford GT Mk IV is an advanced technology supercar that delivers maximum performance along with a unique body, powertrain and suspension, as well known as the result of a collaboration between Ford Performance and one of the world's famous racing car constructors Multimatic.
2023 Ford GT Mk IV is an advanced technology supercar that delivers maximum performance along with a unique body, powertrain and suspension. (Picture from: KabarOto)
To provide seamless performance, more than any Ford GT to date. The Ford GT Mk IV features a twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that has been specially engineered for a maximum power output of 800 hp coupled with a race-specific transmission system, an aero-focused exterior design and a chassis with a longer wheelbase for more good control.
2023 Ford GT Mk IV features an aero-focused exterior design and a chassis with a longer wheelbase for more good control. (Picture from: Ford)
"The original 1967 Ford GT Mk IV held back nothing for maximum track performance, and the newest Ford GT Mk IV delivers in much the same way. With a new level of motorsport engineering and performance, plus an all-new carbon fiber body that's functional and striking, the Mk IV is the final product of the third generation of supercars," said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports.
2023 Ford GT Mk IV is powered by a twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that has been specially engineered for a maximum power output of 800 hp coupled with a race-specific transmission system. (Picture from: KabarOto)
The newest Ford GT Mk IV production refers to the year of the original Mk IV won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1967, with only 67 units to be produced at Multimatic's facility in Markham, Ontario, United States. The new client application process will begin for the $1.7 million supercar, set to go on sale in the first quarter of 2023, and deliveries will begin in late spring 2023.
According to Larry Holt, Executive Vice President of Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations to create the most extreme final version of the Ford GT, and this newest Mk IV is the result. Here's the video about the legendary 1967 Ford GT40 MkIV as follow;
"The unique large-capacity engine, racing-precise gearbox, longer wheelbase and completely radical body have resulted in an unprecedented level of performance. We are proud to have been part of the third generation of GT from the start, and are a important chapter in the history of Multimatic," concluded Larry Holt. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORD | CARANDDRIVER ]
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ForgottenONES Still reviewing about unique sports cars from all over the world whose existence may have never been known before. Well, this time we stopped in Wales, which turned out to have had a car manufacturer in the past with several car models produced during the 1960s to 1970s. The Welsh company referred to above is Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd.
The only-one Gilbern T11 sports car prototype of Wales built by Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd. back in 1970. (Picture from: Historic Automotive Promotion)
As quoted from Wikipedia, the company is based in Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales was founded in the 1959 by Giles Smith (previously a butcher, who died in 2003) and Bernard Friese, a German engineer with experience in glass fibre mouldings. The name, Gilbern, was a combination of the first three letters of the name of founder Giles Smith and the first four letters of the name of his co-founder Bernard Friese.
The only-one Gilbern T11 sports car prototype of Wales appears in the typical wedge style, and sits very low and it’s thin wide windscreen enhances it’s wide profile. (Picture from: Historic Automotive Promotion)
The company started as a small workshop in Church Village, Pontypridd but when production started the business moved to a new location in the old Red Ash Colliery near Llantwit Fardre. The cars were initially only available as kits but later complete cars became available as well.
Actually the interior of the only-one Gilbern T11 sports car prototype of Wales was a blank canvas; then adjusted by Johnston used Smith dials to match the Genie/Invader during restoration. (Picture from: Historic Automotive Promotion)
During the production period from 1959 to 1973, this Welsh automotive company produced several car models, such as 280 units of Gilbern GT (1959-1967), 197 units of Gilbern Ginie (1966-1969), and finally 603 units of Gilbern Invader (1969-1973). And to promoting their products, Gilberns have often been entered in competition at the Wiscombe Park Hillclimb, first appearing there in 1962 in the hands of an Aston Martin Owners Club member.
The only-one Gilbern T11 sports car prototype of Wales initially powered by a lightly tuned 1.5-liter Austin Maxi drivetrain, then replaced by a Toyota MR2's 2.0 liter Mk 2 engine in 2011. (Picture from: Historic Automotive Promotion)
Towards the 1969, this company had experienced financial difficulties which led to a change of ownership from Giles Smith shifted to Ace Capital Holdings Ltd, whose main business was the manufacture of slot machines. While at the same time, in 1970 the Welsh autocompany had built a one-off concept car prototype called the Gilbern T11, is intended to be the company's new two-seater sports car with the aim to display it at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show (but it never happened) due to this project was ceased while the prototype was in a partially built condition.
The only-one Gilbern T11 sports car prototype of Wales has extremely curvy rear end softens the sharpness of the front end and gives the car a very wide stance. (Picture from: Historic Automotive Promotion)
This concept car was designed by Trevor Frost or Trevor Fiore, who was previously known through his works such as the TVR Trident, Alpine A310 and Monteverdi 450 Hai. This one-off sports car of Welsh appears in the typical wedge style of the 1970s, which at first glance resembles the shape of the Monteverdi 450 Hai (maybe because both were designed by the same person).
The only-one Gilbern T11 sports car prototype of Wales during restoration with Gordon Johnston at its side. (Picture from: Gilbern)
It was powered by a lightly tuned 1.5-liter Austin Maxi drivetrain turned by 180 degrees, and from three chassis were built but only one example was finished. Although this Gilbern T11 is very promising, the company recalled the project, then shortly thereafter it went bankrupt in 1973. It was later learned the car was under the ownership of Gordon Johnston who reportedly spent nearly 10 years restoring those forgotten Gilbern sports car prototype, and completed in 2009–2010.
Unfortunately, this prime condition did not last long, this car had an accident in 2011 which destroyed the driveshafts and differential gearbox, so the engine should be replaced with Toyota MR2's 2.0 liter Mk 2 engine capable of producing 200 bhp. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GILBERN | FABWHEELDIGEST | HISTORIC AUTOMOTIVE PROMOTION | TAKETOTHEROAD | WIKIPEDIA | SIMONCARS ]
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Special ONES If an American car brand is big'nfamous in America it is an ordinary thing, but it would be something extraordinary if the brand also became big'nfamous in Japan. Due to feel has such famous name in Japan, so this time, Chevrolet is offering something special for such country's market by launching the Chevrolet Camaro Vivid Orange Edition in limited numbers of 20 units only.
The Chevrolet Camaro Vivid Orange Edition launched in limited numbers of 20 units only for the Japanese domestic market. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
As we all know, Vivid Orange is actually one of the colors already available for the Camaro model in the United States, but the color is not available for the Japanese market, so it's no wonder this variant is exclusive when launched in the risingsun country.
The Chevrolet Camaro Vivid Orange Edition is not only featured with the striking orange color, it also beautified by a silver racing line stretching from the top of the front bumper to the rear lid. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
In order to launch this model in Japan, the American brand decided collaborated with graffiti artist Number-D to create artwork depicting the car. FYI, Number-D is a Tokyo-based artist with street art roots known for his colorful modern works. He has several other collaborations with brands like G-Shock and Sony, each displaying his unique graffiti art style.
The Chevrolet Camaro Vivid Orange Edition in a modern graffiti artwork by a Tokyo-based artist named Number-D. (Picture from: Motor1)
Not only featured with the striking orange color, it also beautified by a silver racing line stretching from the top of the front bumper to the rear trunk. In addition, the cabin is also covered with premium black material throughout, as well as presenting a special Recaro Performance seats as standard.
The Chevrolet Camaro Vivid Orange Edition's cabin is covered with premium black material throughout, as well as presenting a special Recaro Performance seats as standard. (Picture from: Autofun.ph)
Meanwhile the drivetrain for the Japanese version, the company said that it relies on the V8 engine with a capacity of 6,200 cc is capable of producing 447 hp and a maximum torque of 617 Nm then transfered to an eight-speed automatic transmission system for providing acceleration of 100 kph in just 4 seconds.
The Chevrolet Camaro Vivid Orange Edition is powered by an V8 engine with a capacity of 6,200 cc is capable of producing 447 hp and a maximum torque of 617 Nm. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
We're sorry, the following video below is not the car we are discussing, but the same model that rolled out in America.
Chevrolet Japan has started taking orders for the Vivid Orange Edition since May 8, 2023, with a tag of JP¥8.93 million or approx Rp.973 million, estimated the car deliveries will start in mid-June 2023. As the plan, the car will be on display at the Chevrolet Fan Day at Fuji Speedway on May 20, 2023. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CHEVROLET JAPAN | MOTOR1 | AUTOFUN.PH | NEWSYOU.INFO ]
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This year, Porsche returns to the top-tier category of the FIA WEC Hypercar class by relying on the Porsche 963 racing car. From its name, you can guess that Porsche wants to repeat the glory of the Porsche 962 in the Group C of the 1980s, which won the 24-Hours of Le Mans three times. and the 24-Hours of Daytona five times.
Turn out, there's another interesting thing about the Porsche 963, that the race car is also available for private teams, and Hertz Jota will be the first LMDh's private team in the 6-Hours of Spa-Francorchamps series held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 which raced along with the factory team Porsche Penske Motorsports. Meanwhile at the IMSA arena, JDC Miller MotorSports will use the Porsche 963 at the Laguna Seca in this May. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PORSCHE | FIAWEC | ID.MOTOR1 | MOTORMOBILE.NET | DAILYSPORTSCAR | RACECARENGINEERING ] 
