ONE-OFF - Nestled within the rich tapestry of automotive history, the Jimenez Novia W16 stands as a hidden gem, often overshadowed by more famous counterparts yet brimming with a story of innovation and audacity. Crafted as a concept car, this unique vehicle was a singular creation in 1995 by the skilled hands of Ramon Jimenez, a visionary hailing from Vaucluse, France.
The 1995 Jimenez Novia was the world's first W16-powered supercar, predating the Veyron by a decade. (Picture from: BeforeItsNews)
What sets this car apart is not just its exclusivity but also its pioneering spirit, being the first-ever W16 supercar, pre-dating the renowned Veyron by a decade. Before the era-defining Veyron stormed onto the scene with its quad turbocharged W16 engine, Ramon Jimenez was already pushing boundaries. He ingeniously melded four Yamaha FZR1000 4-cylinder motorcycle engines into a unified powerhouse, a feat that gave birth to the Jimenez Novia W16.
Ramon Jimenez crafted the 1995 Jimenez Novia W16 with lightweight carbon fiber components. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Distinctive in its construction, the Novia W16 boasts four
separate cylinder banks linked to two crankshafts, housing a total of 80
valves with 5 valves per cylinder, a configuration unseen in mainstream
supercars. This
powerhouse churns out a staggering 560 bhp at an impressive 10,000 rpm,
coupled with 318.6 lb ft of torque at 7,500 rpm, delivering
exhilarating performance that defied conventions of its time.
The Jimenez Novia W16 engine is a combination of four air-cooled Yamaha FZR1000 engines, totaling 80 valves with 5 valves per cylinder. (Picture from: GridOto)
With a blistering 0-60 acceleration of around 3.0 seconds, this car was a testament to Jimenez's engineering prowess and ambition. As the result, this bespoke supercar, bearing his unique design ethos, roared to a verified top speed of 380 km/h (236 mph) at an Avignon airfield, leaving an indelible mark on automotive lore.
The 1995 Jimenez Novia W16adorned with iconic scissors doors, a 6-speed manual transmission, and center lock wheels, every aspect of this supercar exudes bespoke craftsmanship and automotive passion. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
Beyond its raw power, the Novia W16 embodies Jimenez's meticulous attention to detail. Crafted with lightweight carbon fiber components, painstakingly fabricated by Jimenez himself, the car's aerodynamic bodywork prioritized downforce, albeit at the cost of rear visibility. Its innovative hydraulic lifting suspension system allowed for dynamic adjustments to ride height, ensuring optimal performance across varied road and track conditions.
The aerodynamic bodywork of the Jimenez Novia W16 prioritized downforce, though it came at the expense of rear visibility. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
The Novia W16's allure extends beyond its performance metrics. Adorned with iconic scissors doors, a 6-speed manual transmission, and center lock wheels, every aspect of this supercar exudes bespoke craftsmanship and automotive passion.
Despite its singular existence and mysterious whereabouts today, the Novia W16 remains a beacon of automotive ingenuity, a testament to a bygone era where visionaries like Ramon Jimenez dared to dream beyond convention, leaving an enduring legacy in their wake. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BEFOREITSNEWS | SUPERCARS.NET | CARTHROTTLE | CARTEFACTS ]
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Worth the wait- Bugatti, the famed French automotive brand headquartered in Molsheim, stands out among the multitude of car manufacturers for its consistent launch of new models. The much-anticipated successor to the Bugatti Chiron is slated to make its grand entrance in the second quarter of 2024. This exciting development was confirmed by Bugatti's former design chief, Achim Anscheidt, who disclosed that the successor's design phase has been finalized, poised for prototype production.
At present, Bugatti is concluding the production of the Chiron and gearing up for the launch of its successor. (Picture from: RobbReport)
Although specific details such as the model name and powertrain specifications remain undisclosed, one thing is certain: Bugatti's new design head, Frank Heyl, will uphold the brand's distinctive design elements, including the iconic Bugatti beltline and the renowned horseshoe front grille.
The much-anticipated successor to the Bugatti Chiron is slated to make its grand entrance in the second quarter of 2024. (Picture from: Drive.com.au)
Bugatti's collaboration with Rimac has yielded a groundbreaking achievement in the form of an "absolutely crazy" combustion engine, augmented with electrified components to forge a formidable hybrid powertrain, promising unparalleled performance and efficiency.
In addition to the Chiron's successor, Bugatti enthusiasts can also anticipate the production of the legendary W16 Mistral engine, speculated to be Bugatti's final internal combustion engine aimed at breaking top-speed records. The anticipation builds as enthusiasts await the unveiling of this vehicle and its potential to honor Bugatti's esteemed lineage.
The highly awaited successor to the Bugatti Chiron was recently spotted undergoing road tests, draped in a camouflage cloak. (Picture from: TopGear)
While Bugatti has refrained from specifying an exact debut date for the Chiron's successor, ongoing developments suggest a meticulous approach to ensure a flawless launch. The confirmed hybrid V16 powertrain signals a new era in Bugatti's engineering prowess, promising a thrilling driving experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
The confirmed hybrid V16 powertrain signals a new era in Bugatti's engineering prowess, promising a thrilling driving experience for enthusiasts worldwide. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Notably, the forthcoming model marks Achim Anscheidt's final design contribution before passing the baton to Frank Heyl and his team for future Bugatti creations. As anticipation mounts, Bugatti enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the swift sellout of this exceptional vehicle upon release, underscoring the brand's enduring appeal and legacy in the automotive realm. | aO4Q4xt8g9o |
To offer enthusiasts a glimpse of what's to come, Bugatti has released a captivating video showcasing the distinctive sound of the engine encased in carbon fiber, further stoking excitement and anticipation for the impending debut. As the automotive world eagerly awaits this groundbreaking release, Bugatti's commitment to innovation and excellence continues to captivate enthusiasts globally, ensuring a legacy of automotive brilliance for generations to come. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRIVE.COM.AU | TOPGEAR | ID.MOTOR1 | ROBBREPORT ]
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New EV BEAST - In a world where electric vehicles are becoming increasingly prevalent, MG (Morris Garage), a key player in the automotive industry, has unveiled its groundbreaking hypercar concept—the MG EXE181. This innovation represents a seamless blend of technology and innovation, bridging the gap between the electrifying experience of driving a hypercar and an unparalleled driving adventure.
The MG EXE181 stood alongside the record-setting cars of 1950s, including its predecessor and inspiration, the MG EX181. (Picture from: MGMotor)
Unveiled at Auto China 2024, the MG EXE181 has captured global attention with its revolutionary design and exceptional performance capabilities. Drawing inspiration from the record-setting cars of the 1950s, this hypercar boasts a sleek body and a minimalist panel layout that exudes futuristic charm.
The MG EXE181 boasts a sleek body and a minimalist panel layout that exudes futuristic charm. (Picture from: CARMagazine)
One of the standout features of the MG EXE181 is its aerodynamic prowess. The bubble-like cockpit and teardrop-shaped exterior not only contribute to its aesthetic appeal but also enhance its aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring optimal performance on the road.
One of the standout features of the MG EXE181 is its
aerodynamic prowess, showcased by the bubble-like cockpit and
teardrop-shaped exterior. (Picture from: CARMagazine)
Under the hood, the MG EXE181 is powered by four electric motors—one for each wheel—delivering an exhilarating acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a mind-blowing 1.9 seconds. With a power output exceeding 1,000 horsepower, this hypercar promises a driving experience like no other.
The MG EXE181 is powered by four electric motors—one for each wheel—delivering an exhilarating acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a mind-blowing 1.9 seconds. (Picture from: CARMagazine)
While official specifications regarding its top speed have yet to be disclosed, MG has hinted at surpassing the previous record of 410 km/h set by the EX181 in 1957. This ambitious goal positions the MG EXE181 as a formidable contender in the electric hypercar market, rivaling established models such as the Rimac Nevera.
The MG EXE181 features minimal bodywork, and its driver sits in a central glass cockpit surrounded by metal. (Picture from: CARMagazine)
The debut of the MG EXE181 marks a significant milestone in the automotive landscape, showcasing MG's commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in electric vehicle technology. With its striking design and unparalleled performance, the EXE181 is poised to revolutionize the hypercar segment.
The MG EXE181 stands as a testament to MG's vision for the future of electric mobility. (Picture from: MGMotor)
Following its debut in China, reports indicate that the MG EXE181 will also showcase its speed at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed,
where the Chinese company will take center stage as part of its
centenary celebrations. This event will also mark the launch of MG's new electric Cyberster sports car.
In conclusion, the MG EXE181 represents a fusion of cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and unparalleled performance, making it a game-changer in the realm of electric hypercars. As automotive enthusiasts eagerly anticipate its official launch, the EXE181 stands as a testament to MG's vision for the future of electric mobility. Brace yourself for the arrival of this electrifying marvel that is set to redefine automotive excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MGMOTOR.EU | CARMAGAZINE | ]
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ONE-OFF - Did you know that the joystick, commonly associated with gaming, made its way into the automotive world through Mercedes-Benz? In 1996, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the F200 Imagination, a groundbreaking sedan showcased at the Paris Motor Show. This four-seat marvel replaced the traditional steering wheel with a pair of joysticks, reminiscent of old-school gaming consoles. In 2022, it reportedly sold for $10 million.
The Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination is a groundbreaking four-seat marvel replaced the traditional steering wheel with a pair of joysticks, reminiscent of old-school gaming consoles. (Picture from: Motor1)
The F200's interior was a sight to behold, with the absence of a steering wheel and the inclusion of sidesticks positioned on the center console and front door panel. These joysticks were ingeniously designed to control the car's direction—forward, backward for deceleration, and tilting for turns. Imagine driving a car like maneuvering a video game character!
One standout feature of the Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination was its Koenigsegg-esque door mechanism, reminiscent of high-performance supercars. (Picture from: Motor1)
Beyond its joystick innovation, the F200 featured cutting-edge technology for its time. Bi-xenon headlamps and adaptive lighting showcased Mercedes-Benz's forward-thinking approach. Safety enhancements included airbags near the doors, a precursor to modern airbag systems. The traditional rearview mirrors were replaced with cameras, providing a futuristic and comprehensive view of the car's surroundings.
The
Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination's interior was a sight to behold, with the absence of a steering wheel and the inclusion of sidesticks positioned on the center console and front door panel. (Picture from: Motor1)
Under the hood, the F200 boasted a robust 6,000 cc naturally-aspirated V12 engine, delivering impressive 294 horsepower and torque of 570 Nm. Its drivetrain, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, offered a smooth and exhilarating driving experience.
The
Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination boasted a robust 6,000 cc naturally-aspirated V12 engine, delivering impressive 294 hp and torque of 570 Nm, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. (Picture from: Motor1)
One standout feature of the F200 was its Koenigsegg-esque door mechanism, reminiscent of high-performance supercars. The interior showcased a panoramic roof with electro-transparent technology, a precursor to modern luxury car amenities. These elements later influenced Mercedes-Benz's flagship models, including the S-Class and CL-Class, embodying the F200's legacy of innovation.
The
Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination's interior showcased a panoramic roof with electro-transparent technology, a precursor to modern luxury car amenities. (Picture from: Motor1)
The F200 Imagination was not just a concept; it was a glimpse into the future of automotive technology. Its contributions, such as active suspension systems and voice recognition (Linguatronic), laid the groundwork for modern vehicle features. Today, technologies like drive-by-wire, rearview cameras, and widescreen dashboards owe a debt to the imaginative vision of the F200.
In retrospect, the F200 Imagination was more than a concept car—it was a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of driving. As we enjoy the conveniences and advancements in today's automobiles, we can look back at the F200 as a pioneer that paved the way for the automotive innovations we now take for granted. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | HOTHARDWARE ]
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Lost in Time - In the realm of automotive history, nestled among the familiar names and celebrated models, lies a hidden gem: the Fiat X1/9. While it may not enjoy the same spotlight as its counterparts, this unique vehicle holds a story worth telling.
The 1970 Volkswagen Karmann Cheetah concept car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at ItalDesign, based on a shortened 1963 Karman Ghia Type 14 chassis. (Picture from: Pinterest)
The genesis of the Fiat X1/9 traces back to the creative endeavors of Giorgetto Giugiaro, a visionary designer who sought to carve a niche in the automotive world. It was a time when the echoes of the Karmann Ghia still reverberated, and Giugiaro embarked on a mission to craft a worthy successor. This journey of innovation commenced shortly after the unveiling of the Type 34 in 1961.
The 1970 Volkswagen Karmann Cheetah concept car, inspired by the Beetle, featured a 1.6-liter boxer engine producing 50 horsepower. (Picture from: Hog Troglodyte in Flickr)
Giugiaro's fertile imagination bore fruit a decade later with the introduction of the Volkswagen Karmann Cheetah (just like Lamborghini's unfortunate military project) Aptly named, this concept car emerged from the crucible of Giugiaro's newly established design studio, Italdesign, following his departure from Ghia. Drawing inspiration from the Beetle, the Cheetah boasted a 1.6-liter boxer engine, delivering a modest 50 horsepower at its zenith.
The 1970 Volkswagen Karmann Cheetah concept car features a soft-top roof with a wide sunroof panel above the cockpit, elegantly sweeping along the bodywork and neatly tucking between the seats. (Picture from: Hog Troglodyte in Flickr)
Despite its undeniable charm, adorned with pop-up headlamps and the promise of open-top motoring, the Cheetah failed to secure Volkswagen's endorsement. The dream of mass production remained elusive, a tantalizing vision that never materialized. Yet, amidst this setback, a glimmer of hope emerged.
Despite its charm with pop-up headlamps and open-top allure, the Cheetah failed to win Volkswagen's endorsement. (Picture from: Hog Troglodyte in Flickr)
A year after its unveiling at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, Bertone stepped into the fray, breathing life into Giugiaro's vision. The Fiat X1/9 emerged as the tangible embodiment of his automotive philosophy. Retaining the essence of the Cheetah while undergoing refinement and adaptation, it captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.
Today, the Fiat X1/9 stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Its journey from concept to reality is a testament to the indomitable spirit of automotive design. Though it may dwell in the shadows cast by its more illustrious peers, its legacy endures, a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | VIRTUAGARAGE ]
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Gamer's Futuristic EV - In a world where gaming culture permeates daily life, MG recognizes the need to blend innovation with entertainment. As the MG Maze Concept introducing back in 2021 as the latest innovation from the visionary minds at MG (Morris Garage) Design Team, led by Carl Gotham from the Advanced Design Studio in London, England.
The MG Maze Concept, designed under the theme "Get Out and Play," bridges the thrill of driving with the limitless imagination of gaming, offering a unique and unparalleled experience. (Picture from: OtoPlus-Online)
Under the banner of "Get Out and Play,"MG beckons all automotive enthusiasts and gaming aficionados to embark on an exhilarating journey with their newest creation. The MG Maze emerges as a bridge between the thrill of driving and the boundless imagination of gaming, promising an experience like no other.
The
MG Maze Concept introducing back in 2021 as the latest innovation from
the visionary minds at MG (Morris Garage) Design Team, led by Carl
Gotham. (Picture from: OtoPlus-Online)
With its unveiling, the MG Maze has captivated the attention of millions worldwide, solidifying MG's position as a pioneering brand on the brink of its centenary. This concept car is not just a vehicle; it's a testament to MG's commitment to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of mobility.
The MG Maze has captivated millions of automotive fans worldwide with its promise of an exhilarating driving experience akin to playing a game. (Picture from: OtoPlus-Online)
Rooted in the philosophy of Play, Discovery, and Adventure, the MG Maze embodies these principles from every angle. Its exterior boasts a transparent shell, offering a glimpse into the intricate mechanics within, illuminated by LED backlighting reminiscent of a high-end gaming rig.
One of its standout features is the innovative entrance design. Instead of traditional side doors, the MG Maze features a transparent canopy that rises like a portal, inviting you into the immersive world of MG gaming. (Picture from: OtoPlus-Online)
Among its many features, the most notable is the innovative entrance design. Departing from conventional side doors, the MG Maze opts for a transparent canopy that ascends like a portal into the world of MG gaming. Upon entry, occupants are greeted by zero-gravity seats, a gaming controller, and a screen, setting the stage for an immersive experience.
The exterior of the MG Maze features a transparent shell that showcases its sophisticated components and inner workings, enhanced with LED backlighting reminiscent of a high-end gaming PC. (Picture from: OtoPlus-Online)
Gone is the traditional steering wheel; in its place, drivers wield control with their smartphones, seamlessly integrating the digital and automotive realms. This convergence of technology and design marks a new era in automotive innovation, where driving becomes synonymous with gaming.
In conclusion, the MG Maze represents more than just a concept car; it's a gateway to a future where driving is not just a means of transportation but a journey into the realms of imagination and adventure. With its blend of cutting-edge design and gaming-inspired features, the MG Maze invites enthusiasts to redefine the boundaries of automotive exploration. Get ready to embark on the ultimate adventure with MG Maze – where innovation meets exhilaration. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MGMOTOR.EU | AUTOCAR | CARSCOOPS ]
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Despite its singular existence and mysterious whereabouts today, the Novia W16 remains a beacon of automotive ingenuity, a testament to a bygone era where visionaries like Ramon Jimenez dared to dream beyond convention, leaving an enduring legacy in their wake. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BEFOREITSNEWS | SUPERCARS.NET | CARTHROTTLE | CARTEFACTS ]
