RareONES In the end everything will disappear for good, although many of them try to deny it by creeping to the surface to show their existence again and again. That's all natural, even so no one can resist it, all that can be done is survive as much as possible before it's really lost in time.
The Marcos Mantula shows the distinctive styling that’s been a hallmark of Marcos since the 1960s. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Of the many British car manufacturers that have appeared and success in the world's automotive during the 1960s, of course you still remember Marcos Engineering Ltd. As quoted from Wikipedia, the name of Marcos was created in 1959 by combining the last names of its founders, Jem MARsh and Frank COStin.
The Marcos Mantula's body is lightweight fiberglass based on a steel chassis, with a total curb weight of just 900 kgs (1,984 lbs). (Picture from: Silodrome)
As we all know, Frank Costin is a well-known British automotive designer, who was also known as the designer of the legendary Mosquito fighter plane made by the De Havilland aircraft company. And after shifting in the automotive world he applied his know-how of wood monocoques led to the first plywood-based Marcos sportscars.
The Marcos Mantula's interior featured with seating for two, there’s a high center console and this car has a blue leather interior with wood veneer, and a blue leather trimmed steering wheel. (Picture from: Silodrome)
This British company started its venture in the world's automotive by launching the Marcos Xylon GT, followed later by the iconic Marcos 1800 GT and then the Mini Marcos, the Marcos Mantis XP. It turned out that the production activities of the British manufacturer did not last long, and should be ceased when the company experienced serious financial problems in 1971.
The Marcos Mantula is powered by a 3.5-litre Rover V8 with a 5-speed gearbox. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Although many efforts have been made to revitalize, one of them through the acquisition of its shares and assets by the Rob Walker Group of Companies, continued to reorganize and change its name to Marcos Ltd.
The Marcos Mantula are now collectible in the more eccentric British classic car circles, the performance of the model makes it a genuine weapon in the right hands. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Unfortunately, all these effort was not very helpful. It seems, during this period there were no new models, and until 1972 it was also reported that Marcos had a stock of 35 unsold cars in the United States had to be "liquidated".
The Marcos Mantula Spyder which sell after the coupés in later production began in 1986. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
Well, what happened at that time was Marcos had to do the best to downsizing the company in order to overcome its financial problems with what was described as "a cash jumble sale of Marcos bits, ranging from prototype and shop soiled components, benches, tools, etc," where took place at the "old Marcos Cars factory" at Westbury.
The Marcos Mantula Spyder version was introduced which went on to become the most popular variant. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
At that time in 1976, one of the company' founders, Jem Marsh, who was still active in the automotive world, then bought back the rights to the Marcos name, and in 1981 this brand offering the previous GT cars as kits with multiple engine options.The Marcos Mantula Spyder Up to 1989 about 130 kits were sold.
The Marcos Mantula Spyder's interior featured with seating for two, there’s a high center console. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
As quoted from Wikipedia, the British automaker was introduced the Marcos Mantula in 1983, externally very similar to the old GT, but now powered by a 3.5-litre Rover V8 with a 5-speed gearbox.
The Marcos Mantula Spyder version is powered by the same drivetrain as the coupe variant. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
This alloy engine weighed less than the previous six-cylinder cast-iron units, reducing overall weight to about 900 kg and making the car competitive against other Rover-powered sports cars such as TVR and Morgan. The engine evolved into the Rover Vitesse EFi engine, and later Mantulas were fitted with the 3.9 EFi units.
The Marcos Martina was externally very similar to the Mantula, but with flared front wheel arches. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
In 1986 the model was made available as a convertible, the Marcos Spyder, which would outsell the coupés in later production. In 1989, the automaker introduced the model featured with an independent rear suspension, together with the Ford Sierra's 7" differential and rear disc brakes.
The Marcos Martina used the Ford Cortina's 2-litre four-cylinder engine, steering and suspension, and approximately 80 were produced. (Picture from: Jigidi)
The independent suspension allowed a full-width boot and the relocation of the battery and heater/air conditioning. There's a total of 170 Coupés and 119 Spyders were ever produced by the automaker during its production periods.
Furthermore Marcos in 1991 also had time to produce the Marcos Martina was externally very similar to the Mantula, but with flared front wheel arches. It used the Ford Cortina's 2-litre four-cylinder engine, steering and suspension. And approximately 80 were produced. Originally, Martina available as kits or factory-built, before the cars were all factory-built from 1992.
Shortly after the production of the Mantula and Martina ceased in 1993, soon Marcos retired from the kit car business to concentrate on all-factory built offerings until the British automaker shutted down for good in 2007.😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MARCOS | SPEEDHUNTERS | SILODROME | HANDH.CO.UK | WIKIPEDIA ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Wait&See The development of electric-powered vehicles are increasingly attracting the interest of players in the automotive industry, both old players and new players. Indeed today we are in the era of electric vehicles. It feels like just yesterday, we are amazed when we see electric-powered concept cars presented by the makers. But now, there were so many electric-powered vehicles had been milling about on the streets.
A German media AutoBild have spread unconfirmed information about the development of a new Lamborghini's
electric hypercar (in pictured Lamborghini Diamante Concept by Thomas Granjard as an illutration only) dubbed as the Vitola. (Picture from: Carbuzz)
However, the automotive industry players do not immediately jump into it without conducting any research and development first, especially since the current supporting infrastructure for electric vehicles is still not evenly distributed. So that many automotive industry players, such as the Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., prefer to do it in stages by first conducting research and development on all supporting components, such as electric motors and battery systems, etc.
To this day the latest supercar from this manufacturer is the Revuelto which is mentioned as a replacement for the Aventador referred to be a High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV) capable of generating power up to 1,001 hp, which consists of the new naturally-aspirated 6.5 liter V12 engine coupled to three electric motors.
Porsche Mission E Concept while sat in display at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: Autonews.Autoua.net)
As we all know that the supercar manufacturer under the auspices of the Volkswagen Group, the raging bull automaker has announced that 2022 is the final year for
the launch of non-electric models and is preparing to switch to electric powered vehicles in 2028 later by giving a few hints about its first model being a 2+2 Grand Tourer (GT).
As quoted from Carbuzz, instead of working on it alone, it looks like the development of this Lamborghini supercar will also involve Porsche, a fellow company under the Volkswagen Group banner. We can see this back in 2016 when it was rumored that the two of them would share an electric power technology platform. At that time, Porsche had just announced that it would launch an electric-powered supercar called the Porsche Mission E.
A German media AutoBild have spread unconfirmed information about the new Lamborghini hypercar would share an electric power technology platform with Porsche Mission E. (Picture from: Autonews.Autoua.net)
According to a German-language YouTube video by AutoBild, some of the Mission E's electric technology will be picked up by Lamborghini. Furthermore, the video also describes that the raging bull electric-powered supercar that will be developed dubbed as the Vitola that would ride on the Porsche Mission E's J1 platform. It will also steal the sedan's fast-charging system, which works with the Mission E's 800-volt battery to make charging times a breeze.
Not only shared same platform, the new developed Lamborghini Vitola electric supercar (in pictured Lamborghini Diamante Concept by Thomas Granjard as an illutration only)would also pinned the sedan's fast-charging system, which works with the Mission E's 800-volt battery to make charging times a breeze. (Picture from: OkeZone)
This is important for owners who may want to take the hypercar to a track and not be faced with the inconvenience of waiting for a lengthy recharge after a few laps. The Vitola will supposedly have a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds (matching the Tesla Model S P100D) and reach a top speed of 186 mph. The Mission E makes a combined 600 horsepower using two electric motors, which rockets the sedan from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
To reach its performance targets, the Vitola will undoubtedly be lighter than the four-door Porsche, but it will probably still gain more horsepower to keep it ahead of the competition. That will soon include an all-electric McLaren hypercar, and given the direction of the Volkswagen Group, an EV Porsche 918 replacement based off of the lessons learned from honing the Vitola is not out of the question.
It is still unclear whether the Vitola will be another Lamborghini with a very limited production run or an alternative to existing models like the Huracán or Revuelto which still has a typical sonorous roaring engine or the quiet of electric motor or even combination of both. Instead, what is currently circulating is a different matter, namely the prospected 2+2 GT model. Will it be Vitola or another one? Well, for sure we can only wait until the time comes in 2028. Yes, we'll wait and see.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBOCARS | CARBUZZ | AUTOBILD | DIGITALTRENDS | AUTOEVOLUTION | ELEKTREK.CO | DRIVESPARK | AUTONEWS.AUTOUA.NET | IDMOTOR1 | MOTORMOBILE ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
New BEAST After being produced for approximately 5 years, the iconic McLaren 720S supercar was officially replaced by the McLaren 750S which has a number of improvements. According to the automaker, about 30 percent of the components have been updated, including performance and aerodynamics. So far, there are two variants marketed to consumers, namely the McLaren 750S Coupe and Hardtop Convertible to continuing the body style of the 720S.
The McLaren 750S has a number of improvements. According to the automaker, about 30 percent of the components have been updated, including performance and aerodynamics. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
As for the drivetrain, the McLaren 750S entrusts a 4.0-liter V8 engine coupled with a twin-turbocharger, so that it can produce a maximum power of 750 hp with a peak torque of 800 Nm (this figure is claimed to be superior to the McLaren P1). Power and torque are channeled entirely to the rear wheels via a new 7-speed sequential transmission under a shorter drive ratio.
The McLaren 750S Spider version is one of variants besides the Coupe powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine coupled with a twin-turbocharger, so that it can produce a maximum power of 750 hp with a peak torque of 800 Nm. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Even though they carry the same engine, those two 750S variants have different performance figures. On paper, both are capable of accelerating from rest to 100 kph in just 2.7 seconds. But to reach speeds of 200 kph, the Spider variant is 0.1 seconds slower than the Coupe. Even to penetrate the quarter mile time, the 750S Coupe is also 0,2 seconds ahead superior to its Convertible variant which recorded a time of 10.3 seconds. However, the automaker ensures that both 750S variants can run up to a top speed of 331 kph.
Although uses the same drivetrain, The McLaren 750S Spider version is 0,2 seconds slower than the Coupe to achieve the quarter mile time. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
If we take a look at its exterior appearance, this British supercar has a much wider front track with a new suspension geometry. Apart from that, the manufacturer also pinned Proactive Chassis Control III which is claimed to be able to provide a more rigid and stable ride in corners. While for matters of aerodynamics, at the front the 750S has a new bumper design with air vents to flow air from the headlight chamber to the radiator.
The McLaren 750S (in pictured Coupe version) has a new bumper design with air vents to flow air from the headlight chamber to the radiator. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Still at the front, there's an extended-splitter coupled with a large active spoiler to provide vehicle balance. One of the most interesting things at the stern is the embedding of the exhaust in the middle, which taken inspiration of the McLaren P1. Meanwhile, to increase the level of aerodynamics, the 750S also has large intakes at the rear wheels, a fresher grille mesh and an upgraded rear deck.
The McLaren 750S (in pictured Coupe version) also has an extended-splitter coupled with a large active spoiler to provide vehicle balance. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Enter the cabin, where we will be presented with the distinctive feel of a Woking supercar. Even manufacturers also present two additional specifications that consumers can choose from, namely TechLux and Performance. In the first option, the entire cabin will be wrapped using Nappa leather material while Performance combines leather and Alcantara.
The McLaren 750S (in pictured Coupe version) featured with the large intakes at the rear wheels, a fresher grille mesh and an upgraded rear deck. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Not only that, there is a cluster meter screen with a new feel and design where all vehicle information will be displayed. The McLaren Control Launcher is even available, which allows the driver to adjust aero, handling, powertrain and transmission features as he wishes. Even though it is intended to be a true supercar, McLaren also does not forget about the entertainment matters by embedding an Apple CarPlay connection in it.
The exhaust placement of the McLaren 750S (in pictured Coupe version) in the center is inspired by the McLaren P1. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Keep in mind, that aerodynamic improvements were also made by the automaker down to the materials in the cabin. One of them is the use of racing seats made of carbon fiber material. According to McLaren, by using such of these seats, the weight of the 750S can be up to 17 kg lighter than the 720S. Even on all the wheels, the McLaren 750S uses lighter materials to cut weight by up to 15 kg.
So far the reception has been quite good, with some consumers have more expectations that the McLaren 750S could be brought a much more pleasant experience than its predecessor 720S, especially speeding on the race track matters. Furthermore, the British automaker also said that the McLaren 750S had been plotted to be McLaren's last conventional-engined supercar before the brand started producing new models with hybrid support.
The question is why is this brand targeting hybrid vehicles more than EVs? Well, in McLaren's view, this is more relevant because the current global order regarding the general law for electric cars has not been fully fixed, so the British supercar manufacturer has decided to target the hybrid segment first rather than go straight into the electric car segment.
This well-known British car brand has officially opened orders for the McLaren 750S under two variant options with a price tag starting at US $324,000 or around Rp.4.7 billion. But you have to remember, usually these prices do not include shipping costs, taxes and other additions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MCLAREN | AUTOCAR | CARSCOOPS ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Lightest&Affordable ONES Maybe you remember that some time ago, Apex Motors has taken the covers off its ground-breaking Apex AP-0 EV sports car concept at its global launch event in London back in 2020.
The Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar is claimed the lightest electric supercar in existence with weighs only 1,200 kg (about 2,650 lbs). (Picture from: Autoblog)
So this time, this car was officially launched at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island in Florida, the United States in collaboration with Attucks Futures and Technology, an American startup owned by Wyclef Jean, a Haitian-born entrepreneur and entertainer best known for his hip hop musical forays both solo and with The Fugees.
The Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar's power comes from an electric motor capable of producing bursts of power up to 650 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque. (Picture from: Otomotif-Sindonews)
Then related to Attucks Futures and Technology, this is a business founded to promote outlets for communities to grow and develop. The company is known to have been founded by Wyclef Jean in 2019, and its name was taken from the name of a black American figure, Crispus Attucks who killed by British troops at the Boston Massacre.
The Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar made from a "monocoque carbon chassis, with a modular spaceframe and a central spine for maximum rigidity. (Picture from: Electrec.co)
Wycelf Jean further explained that Attucks Futures and Technology is a platform dedicated to nurturing and growing talent, promoting designs, concepts, technologies and manufacturing solutions that promote innovation and sustainable investment in our youth (our future).
Wyclef Jean performed at American debut of the Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar in March 2023. (Picture from: Otomotif-Sindonews)
It's no wonder then the first flagship electric supercar was revealed under the name Attucks Apex AP-0. Interestingly, this car is claimed to be the lightest ones, because it weighs only 1,200 kg (about 2,650 lbs). This weight is much lighter than the Rimac Nevera, which weighs almost twice as much as the AP-0, which is 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs).
Even Wyclef Jean posted a video of
what he called as the UK-designed, US-built Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar along with a personalized song for the reveal on his Twitter account.
Attucks Apex AP0, the lightest-ever electric Supercar, has officially launched in the US! Meet the UK-designed and USA-built EV Supercar, acceleration from 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds., my dream car! pic.twitter.com/zGl7z68Wee
As for the kitchen spur, as reported by Autoblog, the power comes from an electric motor capable of producing bursts of power up to 650 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque, so then the AP0 is also claimed to have a top speed of 305 kph.
For the price, the Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar has a prices starts at around $350,000 and is set for official release next year. Compared to its currently competitors, such as Rimac Nevera with a price tag of $2.2 million, the AP-0's price tag looks attractive for its segment.
Of course, this affordable price figure is in accordance with the wishes of Wycleaf Jean, who wants to make everyone's dream of having a super electric car come true. "The Attucks future and technology is fulfilling everyone's dreams," he explained. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | APEX MOTORS | ELECTREC.CO | AUTOBLOG | TOPGEAR | ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
The MOST For the supercar lovers, an auction arena might be time to get the highly anticipated the old and antique models or even get a unique supercar. Reportedly, one of the most expensive cars once sold in the auction arena.
This 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti had sold of €32 million or approx £24.7 million back in 2016, and set a new world's record for the most expensive antique car. (Picture from: TheTelegraph)
As reported by NBC News on Saturday, February 6, 2016, Artcurial Motorcars auction managed to sell one of the magnificent historical car creations called 1957 Ferrari 335S Spider Scaglietti, which had raced at the 24-Hours Le Mans back in the 1950s for €32 million (approx Rp.486 billions) to anonymous bidder.
German driver Wolfgang von Trips at the Futa Pass in the Ferrari 355S during the Mille Miglia, Brescia, May 11, 1957. (Picture from: TheTelegraph)
In a press release, the auction house said, the price set a new world record for an auctioned car. Where the price exceeds the price achieved in 2014, when Bonhams managed to sell 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta in the auction event at Pebble Beach, California for €28.5 million, or around Rp.433 billions.
The legendary Ferrari 335S Spider Scaglietti was capable of doing a staggering 186mph back in the 1950s. (Picture from: TheTelegraph)
1957 Ferrari 335S Spider Scaglietti itself described as an "outstanding" sports car for a matter of speed. The classic sports car is known to be powered by an V12 engine, so made the 335S had maximum power of 390 hp at 7,400 rpm and could reach maximum speeds of around 186 mph.
The Ferrari 335S Spider Scaglietti finished second in the 1957 Mille Miglia and then became the first car to average 200 kph (124 mph) on a lap of the Le Mans circuit. (Picture from: TheTelegraph)
In fact, this sports car once won the 1958Grand Prix of Cuba which previuosly placed in 2nd place in the 1957Mille Miglia, where at that time there was an accident that killed several spectators. Furthermore, only four Ferrari 335S Spider Scagliettis were ever produced, and this one has been owned since 1970 by one of the famous Ferrari's collectors named Pierre Bardinon.
As quoted from ZigWheels, the 1957 Ferrari 335S Spider Scaglietti, one of the most expensive cars in the world that is said to be one of collectible cars owned by one of the world's best soccer players Lionel Messi. Can it be trusted? In fact, it is one of the best preserved classic Ferrari models and rarely changes hands. But apart from that, whoever owns it, he holds one of magnificent historical automotive creations.😎 *** [EKA [13082016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | THE TELEGRAPH | NBC NEWS | ARTCURIAL ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
UniqueONES Has anyone ever heard of a car manufacturer from the Netherlands, Donkervoort? Recently, the manufacturer officially launched its newest generation of supercar, namely the Donkervoort F22, which is intended as a replacement for the previous company supercar, namely the Donkervoort D8 GTO, which has been produced for more than ten years.
Donkervoort F22 is actually named after CEO Denis Donkervoort's eldest daughter, Filippa, who was born on May 22, 2022.. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Mechanically, the F22 is powered by a 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that can churn out 493 bhp of power that's considered a huge output for such of car that weighs only 750 kg. This engine is paired with a manual transmission system equipped with a rev-matching feature to regulate engine speed, as well as a Torsen's limited slip differential to handle the boost of power generated by this supercar.
While the Donkervoort F22 may resemble its predecessor D8 GTO, it doesn't carry a single nut, bolt, or body panel.. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Not only that, Donkervoort also implements a multi-step traction-control system capable to adjust the level of traction desired by the driver. The automaker company itself has not announced the performance figures of the Donkervoort F22. Nonetheless, the supercar has a power-to-weight ratio of 666 bhp and a top speed of over 180 mph.
The interior has a small digital display for instrumentation and there are only a few buttons around the shifter for managing various systems including an optional integrated iPad infotainment system. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
For matters of features, the Donkervoort F22 is equipped with a tubular steel and carbon fiber chassis wrapped in an aggressive-looking bodywork. On the inside, the Donkervoort F22 uses special Recaro seats and six-point seat belts that the automaker says can be used on track and road.
The Donkervoort F22 is powered by a 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that can churn out 493 bhp of power that's considered a huge output for such of car that weighs only 750 kg. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Apart from that, Donkervoort has equipped its new supercar with a targa roof and butterfly-style doors which make the supercar's visuals even more dramatic. At launch Donkervoort is rumored to be producing 50 units of the Donkervoort F22 supercar to start with, it turns out that before the launch time all production plans have been commissioned by the customers.
The Donkervoort F22 is equipped with a tubular steel and carbon fiber chassis wrapped in an aggressive-looking bodywork. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Because that's the Lelystad-based automaker increased production numbers to 75 units with the first units of its supercar launching in January 2023. And until the time came for the launch of the entire production plan of 75 units of the Donkervoort F22 has been ordered.
If this is the case, will the manufacturer from the Netherlands increase production by another 25 units to be an even total 100 units? We'll wait and see. There are no details on pricing yet, but when you consider that the D8 GTO model is already priced at around $240,000 plus tax, the Donkervoort F22 certainly won't be priced any lower than that. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DONKERVOORT | ID.MOTOR1 ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Shortly after the production of the Mantula and Martina ceased in 1993, soon Marcos retired from the kit car business to concentrate on all-factory built offerings until the British automaker shutted down for good in 2007.😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MARCOS | SPEEDHUNTERS | SILODROME | HANDH.CO.UK | WIKIPEDIA ]
